Greg Taylor shares what Matt O’Riley has been like behind the scenes after speculation over his Celtic future

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As most of the transfer speculation at Celtic surrounds whether or not Matt O’Riley will be at the club beyond the summer, the Hoops midfielder could be forgiven if he saw a drop in performance whilst on the US Tour.

O’Riley has been linked to 10 clubs so far as some of Europe’s top clubs chase his signature but, thankfully, the Celtic hero hasn’t seemed too distracted by all that noise.

Captaining Celtic during their 4-0 win over DC United, O’Riley looked calm and relaxed and far from a player who seems as if he is even considering leaving the club.

And after starring in last night’s 4-3 win over Man City, the Celtic midfielder is showing signs on the pitch that he is not being distracted by the continued transfer speculation.

O’Riley has been ‘brilliant’ through intense Celtic speculation

Sometimes what you see from a player on the pitch doesn’t necessarily mirror how they are feeling off it at times like this but Greg Taylor has shared how his Celtic teammate is coping behind the scenes as rumours continue to circulate.

Taylor said [Daily Record], “It’s football isn’t it? There’s transfer speculation, there’s contracts, this is what happens in football.

“It’s part of your job that you need to, one side is that side of it and one side is the football side.

“I think most people in the modern game manage to just focus on that side when they’re out there with their training.

“Matt’s [O’Riley] no different, he’s a brilliant talent and a brilliant player.”

The Celtic fans will be hoping that the speculation this summer remains just that. To lose a player of O’Riley’s calibre at this stage would be a horrible blow.

However, with Celtic standing firm and O’Riley still having plenty of years left on his contract, the ball is firmly in the club’s court here.

But for the player, O’Riley still has a lot to look forward to at Celtic. Defending the league title and Scottish Cup could be a major factor in his decision-making about his future as well has having guaranteed Champions League group-stage football.

So whilst all the teams being banded about could be appealing to O’Riley, the Denmark international still has a lot of positive reasons to stay at Celtic for just one more year.