Matt O’Riley “grateful” Brendan Rodgers is now playing him in his favourite Celtic position and role

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Over the last couple of months, no one has sounded happier with Brendan Rodgers coming into the club than Matt O’Riley and that trend has continued in the wake of Saturday’s Celtic win.

O’Riley was a standout against the Staggies, assisting David Turnbull’s second goal before expertly rifling home his own effort after latching on to a delightful flicked ball from Kyogo Furuhashi.

The midfielder feels like Rodgers is now using him in the best way, allowing him to impact the game from deeper areas rather than pushing forward onto the opposition’s defensive line like the last couple of seasons.

O’Riley said [The Scotsman]: “It was a slightly different role for me. I’m kind of a little bit more involved in build up deeper with a licence to go forward. It’s probably my favourite position and probably where I am most effective and can help the team most. So I am grateful to be able to show that.

“For me personally I thrive a bit more when I am coming on to the game. I am not saying I can’t play the higher role well. But when I can see the play happen I can make runs off of other people’s movements and that’s probably where I’m best.

“I also like defensively going back to help as well. I think that is something I have improved since I have been at the club [the past 18 months]. Playing in Callum [McGregor’s holding] role last season probably improved me as an all round player and physically I am in a better place than I was last season as well. Still a long way to go but things are starting to come together.”

These are promising comments from one of the club’s top talents. He’s clearly preparing himself for a big season at Celtic and sounds eager to show his best stuff yet.

The comment about being able to see the game more effectively suggests we will witness more of his football intelligence and awareness moving forward. He clearly wants the ball in front of him, not linking from others behind him.

O’Riley’s personal form last season was up and down by his own admission – it’d be fantastic to see him now string together real consistency and become one of the most important performers in the team under Rodgers.

In other news, The new Celtic song that got an airing vs Ross County; tune and lyrics.