Matt O’Riley was undoubtedly one of the most popular players amongst the Celtic fans in recent times.
O’Riley was a £1.5m signing from MK Dons and became an integral part of the Ange Postecoglou Celtic revolution.
The Danish midfielder made 124 appearances for Celtic scoring 27 goals and creating 35 assists as he won four league titles, two Scottish Cups and two League Cups.
That form earned him his £25m move to Brighton to make him one of Celtic’s most expensive transfers ever.
After injury curbed the start of his Brighton career, O’Riley came on as a sub against Liverpool and his 17-minute cameo made an impact that showed why Fabian Hurzeler paid £25m for the 24-year-old.
Celtic hero Matt O’Riley helps Brighton defeat Premier League champions Liverpool
Brighton are chasing European football for next season and prior to last night’s fixture against Liverpool, they were level on points with Brentford in 9th place with a game in hand.
The Seagulls were 2-1 down at halftime and with scores tied at 2-2 with just five minutes of regular time to play, former Celtic man Matt O’Riley stepped in and did this.
It was a tremendous moment for O’Riley who has been linked with a Brighton exit this week. And as the fans’ celebrations dissipate, they are now sending a message to their club about the Danish international midfielder.
Brighton fans’ strong message about former Celtic star Matt O’Riley
O’Riley has made just 22 appearances for Brighton with almost half of those from the bench but despite that, the message from the fans to the club is quite clear as the midfielder’s future comes into focus.
One Brighton fan said, “Matt O’Riley stay forever my beautiful king!” as another supporter posted, “This is an appreciation post for the entire squad tonight. But especially Mats Wieffer, Brajan Gruda, Yasin Ayari, Kaoru Mitoma, Matt O’Riley, Jack Hinshelwood & Harry Howell. Did I miss anyone lol.”
As another fan said, “Matt O’Riley’s left foot is wonderful, playa.”
Celtic fans will be keeping a close eye on the young Dane to see if he stays on the south coast or earns another big money move this summer.
If he keeps doing what he did last night, there will be teams sniffing around the former Celtic man.
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