"He will go to the top"; Analyst's class Matt O'Riley prediction as he signs for Celtic

By John McGinley

January 20, 2022

OneSoccer analyst and MK Dons fan Oliver Platt reckons Celtic are getting a bargain with the signing of Matt O’Riley, speaking on social media this week.

O’Riley has officially been announced as a Celtic player on a four-and-a-half-year contract.

Platt, who works for Canadian broadcaster OneSoccer, knows all about O’Riley and believes the only time he’s been more sure about the potential of a player was with Dele Alli, who also used to play for MK Dons.

He said on Twitter: “He will go to the top. The only MK player I’ve been more sure about is Dele and even then it’s close. If it clicks at Celtic they will have a player worth 10x that fee within a year or two.”

It has been reported that Celtic have signed the attacking midfielder for a fee of around £1.5m plus add-ons, which matches his release clause at the club. [Daily Mail]

When asked whether or not he expects O’Riley in the English Premier League at some point in his career, Platt replied: “Yes. You never know exactly how it’s going to work out for a player but he has so much ability and a brain way beyond most in League One.”

It was a phone call from Ange Postecoglou that convinced O’Riley to sign up at Celtic, so we know the manager has big plans for him.

Despite fierce competition in the attacking midfield positions, O’Riley has a great opportunity to get plenty of football at the Bhoys between now and the end of the season.

Still just 21, there’s also massive upside when it comes to his potential and eventual resale value, if things progress to those levels.

Exciting stuff.

In other news, “I’ve got to be honest with you”; Barry Ferguson lauds Celtic, Hatate and Ange ahead of cup meeting.