Midfielder Matt O’Riley’s Celtic goal account is finally open for the 2022/23 season after months of trying, following Saturday’s 5-1 Scottish Cup victory over St Mirren.
O’Riley swept home a lovely striker from the edge of the box towards the end of the cup encounter. It was his first goal for over nine months – last netting in a 4-1 victory over Hearts last May.
And after the match, the former MK Dons man joked it came after hundreds of failed efforts.
As quoted by The Sunday Post [12/02 print edition, Post Match supplement page 2], he said: “It was nice because the goal has been a long time coming. I think I’ve had about 365 shots, so it was good to see one go in.
“I’m just happy whenever I get on the pitch. I always try to contribute and thankfully I did this time. Our strength in depth was evident, but it shows most weeks.
“The squad is super strong. Everyone wants to play and play at a really high level. There’s a competitiveness in training every day and that is making us better.”
O’Riley makes impressive impact
It’s fair to say that the 22-year-old hasn’t quite hit the heights for Celtic in recent weeks but yesterday’s showing from the bench was impressive and encouraging.
Aaron Mooy’s form has made him a prime pick in the midfield slot alongside Reo Hatate and Callum McGregor but O’Riley’s talent shouldn’t be forgotten.
He was an important part of our form in the Autumn when the captain was injured and will get plenty of minutes between now and the end of the season.
We need him fully fit, confident and ready to take the game to opponents – based on yesterday, he’s all of those things.
In other news, Ange Postecoglou schools reporter on Celtic’s £50m bank balance; shuts down Leeds chatter.
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