‘Outstanding’… Peter Grant thinks Celtic duo have added something ‘massive’ to their game

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Celtic’s midfield has settled at a promising time for Brendan Rodgers with the final four matches of the campaign now on the horizon.

Reo Hatate and Callum McGregor both endured fitness struggles in 2024; nevertheless, both key men are back and firing at a crucial stage for the Bhoys.

Brendan Rodgers lavished praise on his captain in the wake of his incredible double tackle at home to Heart of Midlothian last weekend, claiming he is now back to his best following Achilles trouble.

He stated: “I felt at that moment when he made that run to challenge not once but twice to win the ball, you actually see what that gives the supporters.

“That’s why the intensity of pressing, the aggression, that sometimes gets a bigger cheer than a pass or a goal, but in that moment, it was fantastic for him and for the team.”

Despite absences this term, Matt O’Riley has led Celtic’s Scottish Premiership title charge from the front, registering 15 goals and 17 assists in 46 appearances across all competitions [Transfermarkt].

The Denmark international has attracted interest from the likes of Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan over the course; however, his focus will be firmly on ensuring he collects another medal before talk over his future is amplified.

All three players are a crucial part of turning that into a reality, and Celtic are very likely to line up with the three-man axis come kick-off time against Rangers this Saturday.

Peter Grant on Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate’s defensive quality

Hatate and O’Riley are two men famed for their exploits going forward; however, former Celtic midfielder Peter Grant has noticed a sharp improvement in their work rate from a defensive standpoint.

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, the 58-year-old has pointed out their determination to help Rodgers’ men in either box as something that has gone under the radar when analysing recent Hoops’ performances.

He stated: “As midfielders, a big part of your job is defending as well. I think O’Riley and Hatate have got much better at that, and I think it happened even in the first game at Ibrox. Matt O’Riley was outstanding defensively.

“I think that’s a big part they’ve added to their game, I really do because last week, the big chance Hearts had, who blocked it? It wasn’t a centre half, it was Matt O’Riley.

“It’s eight yards out, and it’s 40 seconds gone (in the game), so that’s a massive part of the game because you’ve got to fill those areas as a midfielder.”

Grant makes a valuable point regarding the engine room, and it is clear that when O’Riley, Hatate and McGregor are in full flow, Celtic can be a very difficult team for anyone to contend with.

Getting over the finish line is all that matters now in the league, and the trio could have a decisive say in making that happen if they can win the midfield battle on Saturday against their adversaries in front of a vocal home crowd.