Matt O’Riley will not be able to make his debut for Celtic against Alloa today, because his international transfer clearance has not come through in time.
O’Riley has signed a contract with the club until 2026 from MK Dons. Given his regular action in England this season, he has the fitness to immediately make an impact in the Celtic team.
However, red tape will prevent his anticipated debut today, as confirmed by Ange Postecoglou.
He told The Glasgow Times: “Matt isn’t eligible to face Alloa as we are just waiting on all the clearance to come through.
“We will make some changes as part of my process was to build a strong squad. Having that means I have to give certain players some more game-time.
“With the games coming thick and fast I want to be able to rotate players without affecting the performance levels. The only way that will happen is if guys get consistent game-time.”
O’Riley shouldn’t have too long to wait for his debut. With Tom Rogic called up for international duty and missing the following three games after Alloa, we could even see him thrown in against Hearts at Tynecastle on Wednesday night.
Even if not in the starting eleven, it seems a guarantee he’ll be involved on the nine-man bench in Edinburgh.
We know by now that Postecoglou isn’t afraid to give players quick debuts, so we’ll soon see what the 21-year-old has to offer.
In other news, “Good chance”; Ange hints long-term Celtic absentee set for return vs Alloa.
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