“They took the responsibility,” Postecoglou praises O’Riley and Hatate

Before our question to Ange Postecoglou on the advice he’s given to Scott Robertson as he looks ahead to his football career beyond Celtic, The Celtic Star asked the Celtic manager about the importance of Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate to the Celtic midfield and on O’Riley getting back to scoring goals, he got two against last weekend agains Rennes.

I think it is important. There was a really good period for Matt and Reo up until the break,” Ange Postecoglou told The Celtic Star.

Reo Hatate (Photo by Adam Nurkiewicz/Getty Images)

“They took the responsibility of playing almost every game and being young men they would have not been used to a schedule like that before. The fact they got through it very strong and by contributing shows their mindset.

“For Matt in particular, playing a little bit deeper, he was restricted in terms of how forward he could get. I think it has given him an even deeper appreciation for the role further up the field now.

Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate Photo GETTY

“I believe he has goals in him, as do Reo and David Turnbull. They are an important part of our setup as while the attacking players are always dangerous, it is good to have threats all over the field.”

Watch Ange Postecoglou’s pre-match media conference, ahead of today’s match against Aberdeen at Pittodrie below…

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor David Faulds has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email [email protected]

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