Matt O'Riley sends first Instagram message to Celtic supporters

By John McGinley

January 20, 2022

These days a signing isn’t complete until the player addresses the Celtic supporters on social media and that’s exactly what Matt O’Riley has done tonight.

O’Riley is Ange Postecoglou’s fifth signing of the January transfer window, committing his future to the club until 2026.

There’s great excitement about what he can offer the Bhoys and the 21-year-old is similarly thrilled to make the switch to Glasgow, posting on Instagram: “Honoured to be joining Celtic. A huge club which I’m truly grateful to be part of! Really thankful to everyone who made it possible. Looking forward to playing in front of such an incredible fan base & can’t wait to meet you all.

The player also sent a farewell message to MK Dons, stating: “I’d also like to thank MK Dons for the last year. I’ve absolutely loved my time at the club and will look back on my time there with great pride. Hope you can really push for promotion this season & wish the club nothing but the best.”

He’s certainly been wished well by MK fans, who don’t seem to hold any bitterness towards the player at all. Given he signed on a free transfer, making a seven-figure profit isn’t bad business for them at all.

In fact, most of their supporters are waxing lyrical about the player’s performances over the last 12 months, specifically this season. With seven goals and six assists during this campaign, it’s easy to understand why.

If he can replicate that kind of attacking output in the Scottish Premiership then we’ve added a very dangerous option to Postecoglou’s naturally attacking side.

Now competing with Reo Hatate, Tom Rogic and David Turnbull, Celtic have an exciting line-up in those two attacking midfield positions. There’s certainly enough depth there for the challenges ahead.

Good luck to the new Bhoy!

In other news, “He will go to the top”; Analyst’s class Matt O’Riley prediction as he signs for Celtic.