MATT O’RILEY has been granted international clearance and is able to play in Celtic’s away trip to Hearts on Wednesday.
Celtic’s latest signing was in front of the press on Tuesday, when he declared he was ‘ready’ for the match.
Having played regularly for the first half of the season, match fitness will not be an issue for the midfielder.
With many absences in the midfield department, O’Riley may be called upon on Wednesday night. Speaking to Celtic TV, he said;
“I feel ready, yeah. If I’m called upon then I’m ready yeah. I’ve played enough games this season so I’m in a good place physically and I’ve had a few days of training with the boys so if I’m called upon I’ll be ready.”
On the potential of starting Wednesday’s match;
“I haven’t had that direct conversation with him but I’ve been told by members of staff to be ready if needed so that’s what I’m doing. I’m training well and preparing the right way as I always do.”
Celtic’s starting midfield for the first half of the season is currently ineligible, through injury or international commitments.
This would have been a worrying thought before the January transfer window opened, but the standout performance from Hatate on his debut, partnered with Nir Bitton’s impressive form has put fans’ nerves at ease.
Yet to see Matt O’Riley in action, supporters are excited to see what he can bring to the team and if he can replicate his form in front of goal. In the first half of the season, the midfielder scored seven times and assisted a further five.
