"We are buzzing"; Celtic midfielder O'Riley says teammates can't wait for rival clashes

By Euan Davidson

March 15, 2022

Matt O’Riley says he and his Celtic teammates can’t wait to take on Rangers in what could be a seismic April for both clubs.

The Hoops travel to Ibrox on the 3rd of April in the Scottish Premiership, before heading to Hampden on either the 16th or 17th for the Scottish Cup Semi-Final. And O’Riley, today called up for the Denmark U21s, is “buzzing” to play these games. Depending on the post-split schedule, there might be another Derby on the cards next month.

O’Riley, whose parents came up to Celtic Park to see him play against Rangers, talked about his excitement and the “crazy” Glasgow Derby atmosphere. He said [STV]: “I think those are the games that I myself probably look forward to most.

“Because those are the games you are under most pressure, where you’ve got to demand the most from yourself and as a team, so I’m really excited for it. I think these are the games we are buzzing to play in. We’ll be ready for it. When that game comes, we’ll be prepared.

“I don’t think you realise how crazy it is until you are in the stadium, I think you can watch on the TV and it looks amazing. My mum and dad were in the stadium and they were like “wow, this is crazy”. When you get in the stadium you really get to feel what’s going on.

“I spoke to a few people and they said that was probably one of the craziest atmospheres there’s ever been. Just to be a part of that I’m really grateful for to be honest.”

Celtic man Matt O’Riley has just the right idea for Rangers meetings

This is what you want to hear from a Celtic player before a series of meetings against Rangers.

Why shouldn’t Celtic be buzzing, after all? Matt O’Riley had the best view in the house when the Bhoys demolished Rangers 3-0 at the start of February. We’re top of the league, in amazing form this year, and playing some excellent football.

You can imagine how the Celtic dressing room reacted to the Scottish Cup draw last night. There’ll have been excitement, without trepidation. As well there should be; Celtic are the form team right now.

O’Riley’s combination of humility and ambition will serve him so well here. He’s consistent in what he says; he knows he has ability, but he also knows it’s as much about effort and application, if not more so. That kind of attitude is perfect for what Ange Postecoglou is building at Celtic Park.

Creatively, an almost brand-new Celtic midfield dismantled Rangers at Paradise. O’Riley was a vital cog in that machine, and his ability to embrace the big occasion is crucial.

The Celtic players are buzzing about what the next month and a half could bring.

That’s exactly what you want to hear. Perhaps O’Riley’s parents have got the battle fever, too.

Read more: Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou’s squad building abilities came to the fore last night