It’s the second successive season now that Matt O’Riley will have the chance to sample the magic and the majesty of the UEFA Champions League group stages with Celtic, and after Thursday’s draw the Danish U21 cap has insisted that the players and club fancy their chances against anyone and that they’re relishing the challenge.
Playing at this elite level of competition gives all the players the opportunity to showcase their talents and broadcast their qualities to a wider audience. Last year Matty had to fill in for Callum McGregor at points and performed really well sitting further back than usual and protecting the defensive wall of the team. It was always an uphill task but the former Fulham and MK Dons man did himself proud.
Now eager for another assault on the cream of the crop, O’Riley has been steadfast in his belief that this current group can go better than last year’s low points return. Speaking after Thursday’s draw, the 22-year-old said: “I’m pretty happy with the draw although I would have been happy with any draw. We always fancy our chances going into any game. I’ve said it before, it’s a game of football and anything can happen, and we back ourselves. The atmosphere at Celtic Park is always guaranteed, and hopefully it can put some fear into our opponents as well and it should be good.”
Like his comrade Lagerbielke, O’Riley has highlighted the need for the atmosphere at Celtic Park that the supporters create as a crucial factor in helping the team through these games. The club have saw some wonderful nights in Glasgow’s East End in the past and if we are wanting to qualify for the Europa League or even the Last-16 of the competition, we need that wall of sound to strike fear into the opposition players and coaching staff.
Paul Gillespie
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