Former Celtic hero, John Hartson, has hit out at reports suggesting that Matt O’Riley is looking for his next move out of Celtic.
Whilst there is nothing that anyone can do about reports linking Crystal Palace with interest in the Hoops midfielder, Hartson was fuming that a quote in a Swedish media outlet was used to stir up fear that O’Riley was looking for a move out of Parkhead.
Hartson said [The Go Radio Football Show], “He’s quoted by Tipsbladet, who are they? The biggest Danish paper? Is that what they are? But again the quote is there.
“People trying to make a mountain out of a molehill for me. I think he’s very happy. He’s playing at the highest level and he’s playing particularly well and they’re trying to quote him, ‘Who knows what will happen?’.
“For me what will happen is he’ll get his head down and keep performing for Celtic. He’ll help them win trophies and hopefully get in the Champions League next season.
“And be very happy that Brendan Rodgers renewed his contract. That’s what Brendan will want from Matt O’Reilly.
“He’s performing very well. He’s got that special guile about him. He sees passes. He knows what he’s going to do before the ball actually arrives at him.
“So for me, keep him where he is. And this paper, Tipsbladet, do us a favour and quote somebody else pal!”
Matt O’Riley is not leaving Celtic any time soon
The Danish u21 international is been very impressive for Celtic this season. It seems like he has went up a new level under manager, Brendan Rodgers.
Domestically in the Scottish Premiership, O’Riley has been outstanding but it is in the Champions League where the 22-year-old has been immense for Celtic.
He controlled the midfield against Atletico Madrid and won Man of the Match and he was highlighted by Celtic captain, Callum McGregor, as one of the club’s most important players.
There is not doubt O’Riley has a bright future in the game and, eventually, he will be sold on for big money. But now is not that time.
In other news, Celtic told that there is a £3m striker in Scotland that they can get to replace Kyogo Furuhashi in January