Former Celtic midfielder Joe Ledley has given a big thumbs up to Matt O’Riley and his progress working under Brendan Rodgers this season.
O’Riley has been one of the more impressive players in the new campaign and enjoyed himself in last week’s derby win alongside Callum McGregor in the middle of the park.
Not even yet at his peak, his form could take a sharp upturn from this point on. It’s been clear from media interviews and performances that he is thriving in the environment Rodgers has created.
Ledley is impressed, stating [Daily Record, 09/09 print edition, page 58]: “I really like Matt. He’s been fantastic since he walked through the door. He had to try and adapt to the league and the expectation levels, but you can see in just four or five games this season, it’s obvious he’s gained a lot.
“He controlled a game against Rangers at Ibrox and getting that goal against Aberdeen proves his creative side. If he can just add a few more goals, it’d be even better.
“I was an attacking midfielder. Me and Scott Brown worked as he was deep lying and I could join the attacks. Matt has the same licence, especially with Callum holding. He knows he can go and is an all-round player.”
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With two goals and two assists to his name in Celtic’s opening five matches, O’Riley is showing he can add a more significant contribution to his all-round game. It bodes well for bigger challenges to come.
He’s cemented himself into Rodgers’ preferred starting eleven and now has an opportunity to show how much is progressing as a player in the upcoming UEFA Champions League campaign. If he can perform on that stage, his reputation is only going to grow and the plaudits are only going to get louder.
In other news, Chris Sutton has concerns about David Turnbull at Celtic but new signing gets positive review.