Who would have thought that Matt O’Riley would have been the name on Celtic fans’ lips after such a huge week for the club this week?
Celtic beating RB Leipzig is, quite rightly, the highlight of the week for every Hoops supporter but it seems that Matt O’Riley has put the icing on the cake with his return to action for Brighton this weekend.
Celtic hero, O’Riley, popped up with Brighton’s winner against Man City last night after he made his Premier League debut for the seaside club.
Injured in the Carabao Cup in August, O’Riley has had to wait to make his mark in the English top flight and yesterday, he introduced himself with a bang.
And at full-time, O’Riley almost did something that will be instantly recognisable to the Celtic supporters.
Matt O’Riley’s almost Celtic celebration after Brighton’s win over Man City
O’Riley was urged to take the acclaim of the Brighton support at full time and after being led over to the stand, the Celtic hero did this:
Old habits seem to die hard as O’Riley automatically almost went into celebration mode and almost waved his arms Celtic trademark-style in front of the home support.
Three reasons Celtic are loving life after Matt O’Riley
Celtic fans will always have a special place in their hearts for Matt O’Riley. The outpouring of respect from the fans when the Dane left for Brighton proves just how highly regarded he is by the Hoops support.
However, that is not to say that the Celtic support cannot enjoy life without him and here are three reasons why they can.
Since O’Riley left, the improvement in Reo Hatate’s game has been excellent.
The Japan international has really stepped up this season and Celtic is starting to develop a really solid midfield trio with Hatate, Callum McGregor and Arne Engels marshalling the heart of the football pitch.
Secondly, Celtic’s domination of Scottish football is still continuing even after the departure of O’Riley. In fact, it could be argued that the Hoops are playing better football now than they did with the new Brighton man in the squad last season.
Last but not least, Celtic have a great opportunity to qualify from the Champions League group stages minus O’Riley in the team.
Another three points from four games will secure a play-off place and get Celtic out of the group stage for the first time since 2013.
So whilst the loss of O’Riley to the Celtic support will always be felt, the team hasn’t suffered and that is the most important thing of all.
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