Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers will be determined to record back-to-back Scottish Premiership titles since returning to the club last summer.
Despite missing plenty of his key players for portions of last season, the Irishman ended the term with a domestic double and will be desperate for more of the same this time around.
This season, it feels like something has shifted at Celtic. Observing the Bhoys against Kilmarnock and Hibernian, they have hit a groove without succumbing to significant injury concerns.
Long may it continue; that is a sentiment shared by everyone. Nevertheless, Rodgers will be acutely aware of holes that need to be filled across the squad, hopefully breeding transfer incomings.
Either way, Celtic are in fine fettle, prompting Motherwell man Stephen O’Donnell to sit up and take notice while dissecting proceedings on Sunday.
Stephen O’Donnell’s verdict on Celtic’s midfield trio
As an active Scottish Premiership player, O’Donnell has faced the best and worst of what the league has to offer and is now in a unique position to provide insight as a pundit.
Speaking on the Scottish Football Podcast, the former Scotland international indicated that Celtic being able to keep Matt O’Riley, Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate on the same pitch without distraction could be pivotal to their prospects of another league title.
He stated, firstly on the performance against Hibernian: “I think even looking at the stats, it was over 75% possession. (I’m) surprised because I know Hibs have made a lot of signings and normally like to have a wee bit of the ball for themselves, so (I’m) surprised with that.”
Later, he added, referencing the trio: “Celtic are a top side. You see, with the midfield three of Hatate, O’Riley and McGregor, that’s a very, very good three, and I think it’ll be one that, if they keep them fit or keep them in the building, I suppose, it will be one that will probably see them win the league again.”
Celtic and the Matt O’Riley situation
Matt O’Riley is the lynchpin of Celtic’s midfield; nevertheless, his future at the club is in the balance heading into the final weeks of the window.
Positively, the trajectory of Atalanta, Bournemouth and Southampton’s interest in him could net the club a record transfer fee if he is to depart. However, that means nothing to supporters if profit isn’t put to good use in the market.
Time is of the essence for Celtic to complete additions. Fans have been patient throughout the summer, but if O’Riley leaves, there will be a massive gap to fill in the engine room that will breed frustration.
Anxiety is growing over whether the Bhoys can keep hold of their star man. His importance to Rodgers’ side cannot be understated, so we need to hope the lure of playing in the Champions League is enough to keep him around.
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