Former Celtic striker Simon Donnelly has tipped Hoops midfielder Matt O’Riley to earn a starting role in tomorrow’s derby, praising the 21-year old for his impact since the January arrival from MK Dons.
O’Riley has enjoyed a brilliant few weeks, with his performances in the side also earning him a call-up to the Danish under-21 international squad.
But, of course, has now returned to Lennoxtown, with the focus of the players very-much being on tomorrow’s crucial derby fixture, and Donnelly believes Ange will turn to his January signing in the midfield.
Speaking on Go Radio, he tipped the attacking midfielder to be just ahead of the returning Tom Rogic, crediting O’Riley for the swift impact he has made, which has put himself in consideration.
“Midfield three – I’m changing my mind all the time,” he said, as quoted by Football Scotland.
“I’m going to go the three from the last game – McGregor, Hatate and O’Riley.
“I know that leaves Rogic out, one of the callers had touched on Bitton, but I think he’ll go with that three.
“It’s credit to O’Riley that I’m even considering him ahead of Rogic, but he’s had a fantastic start to his career at Celtic.
“I think he’s a very good footballer, very similar to Rogic.
“So a great bit of recruitment and a good headache for Ange to have.”
In comparison to the two previous derbies in the season, we are very much in a different position in terms of team selection, with Ange having a number of players to choose from.
Whereas in August and February, the majority of players were pretty much-guaranteed picks, given the lack of numbers through injury.
O’Riley has spoken out on several occasions about his enjoyment of these sorts of games. So, hopefully, if the midfielder is named in the starting line-up, he is raring to go right from the off, along with his ten other teammates.
