Celtic midfielder, Matt O’Riley seems to be rediscovering the form that made him a mainstay in Ange Postecoglou’s team last season.
The Danish U21 international shone against Rangers in the Glasgow Derby last weekend.
At Rugby Park on Sunday, the Celtic fans were treated to a display that was reminiscent of much of last season’s performances that made him an instant fan favourite.
But recently, O’Riley has had to wait it out on the sidelines as Reo Hatate and Aaron Mooy bossed Celtic’s midfield alongside captain, Callum McGregor.
The 22-year-old says he enjoys the competition for places and is drawing on the experience of learning from a club legend last season as he bids to bolster his position in the starting eleven.
O’Riley said [The Herald], “There are no hard feelings if someone plays over you or not. We are still all going to chat and be friends. I don’t think that hinders us, it’s probably a benefit.
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“The competition in my opinion always helps you play better. Last season for me personally I had that with Tom [Rogic] and to be able to compete but also have respect with someone like that definitely makes you naturally play better.
“I have got it this season with so many good midfield players. I think the higher level each one of us can play will continue to push other players.”
I can only imagine as a young 21-year-old learning from someone like Tom Rogic must have been invaluable to O’Riley settling in and developing at a club like Celtic.
For such a tall player, the Australian midfielder was like a magician in how he seemed to make the ball stick to his feet.
With less than two weeks to go to the Scottish Cup semi-final against Rangers, O’Riley will have his eye on a starting place in the team.
If he follows up the form he has over the last two games at Fir Park on Saturday, you wouldn’t bet against him being picked for the crucial Glasgow Derby cup tie.