Matt O’Riley opens up on his ‘proud moment’ for Celtic in win vs DC United

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Celtic midfielder, Matt O’Riley, has opened up on the ‘proud moment’ he had for Celtic in the win over DC United in the early hours of this morning.

The Celtic hero has been the subject of continued transfer speculation but in an interview after the 4-0 win over DC United, O’Riley looked very happy and calm as he spoke about the pre-season friendly.

Scoring a brace, O’Riley continued where he left off last season by hitting the goals but it wasn’t scoring for Celtic last night that made him feel ‘proud’ last night.

O’Riley ‘very happy’ to be named Celtic captain

The 23-year-old was named by Brendan Rodgers as the Celtic captain last night as Callum McGregor was put on the bench for the first game of the US Tour.

And O’Riley was delighted to have been bestowed the honour.

O’Riley said [Celtic YouTube], “It was good fun. First and foremost Cal will always be our captain but at the same time, it’s always a proud moment to wear the armband for a club like this. So yeah, very happy.

“The pitch was pretty bad, to be honest, but I think we managed it really really well. Everyone’s actually looking very sharp considering it’s this early it’s really positive and we feel good.

“Regardless of pre-season every game for Celtic is a must-win game, we know that that’s the responsibility playing for this club but it’s been nice to see such a good turnout.

“Even outside the hotel today there were loads of fans and that’s what Celtic’s all about.”

The pitch wasn’t in the best condition but despite that, some of the football Brendan Rodgers’ side put on was excellent and they should have netted more goals.

But despite that, O’Riley is enjoying his time in the States and is looking forward to the next challenge facing Celtic.

O’Riley ‘looking forward’ to Man City fixture

The Denmark international was asked how the trip was going now that the Washington leg is over, and whilst he is enjoying it, O’Riley can’t wait to face Premier League side, Man City.

O’Riley continued, “It’s been great fun, to be honest as well as hard work on the pitch, the club’s been nice enough to put on some really good events, going to the baseball, going to The White House was a really cool experience and also just good for the team bonding so I’ve really enjoyed it.

And with the prospect of facing Man City next, O’Riley continued, “It should be great fun again it’s nice to play top teams and arguably the best team in the world in the last few years so I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

There is little doubt that Pep Guardiola’s side will offer Celtic a much sterner test than DC United did and O’Riley knows he and his teammates will need to be bang at it.

The last thing they need is to be on the wrong end of a result, especially after a convincing win last night, but as O’Riley points out, the team do look sharp and confident ahead of the game against the Premier League side.