Riley McGree was so close to a Celtic deal there were several reporters who usually get Celtic deals spot on saying the deal was done.
Back in January when Ange and Celtic were looking for another midfielder — Riley’s name came into the picture after his loan deal at Birmingham had expired.
Ange knew all about Riley who is an Australian international and believed he could fit in at Celtic. With a deal looking more than close — Riley was offered much better financial terms to sign with Middlesbrough in the Championship — the player quickly changed his focus to the English side and turned down the move to Celtic.
Fans were in disbelief at the time — Middlesbrough put pout a tweet taking a shot at Celtic’s interest in the aftermath of his signing and Riley made it clear he thought ‘Borough were the best career move for him.
Now in the summer, with his side failing to gain promotion to the English Premier League and Celtic having won their league and qualifiers for the Champions League — Riley isn’t backing down on his decision. As the old saying goes — don’t back down, double down.
“I truly believe I made the right one. [Decision]” Riley told SunSport.
“All respect to Celtic and Ange, but I am a Middlesbrough player.
Asked if he had spoken to Ange Postecoglou personally, Riley confirmed “Yes, he did.
“It wasn’t easy, of course.
“But I did what I thought was right and I will stand by that until the day I die.”
Those are strong words from Riley. There’s absolutely no way he’s going to say otherwise while still at Middlesbrough. However, until the day i die seems a bit strong.
Ange believes he doesn’t have to sell the idea of Celtic to players and if any given player can’t see the upside and benefit of playing for the club — he won’t attempt to convince them.
In the end — Celtic fans are the ones who are delighted at McGree’s snub. It paved the way for Matt O’Riley to sign from MK Don’s — the Danish under 21 international has been brilliant since coming in.
