RILEY MCGREE was extremely close to joining Celtic in the January transfer window, with outlets reporting he had accepted the move to Glasgow.

However, in a surprising turn of events, the Aussie joined Middlesbrough, leaving Celtic and their fans stunned. Since moving to Boro, he’s played ten times and scored two goals.

Speaking to Optus Sport, McGree confirmed his Celtic snub, reasoning;

“With all due respect to Celtic and Ange, my ambition is to play in the Premier League.mcgree

“I feel like coming here with Middlesbrough, the position they’re in and they were in potential automatic promotion or promotion going through the playoffs, and then being in the UK itself, I feel like it was the best opportunity to get to where I want to be in my end goal and what I want to achieve in my career.”

He can play Premier League football all he wants while Celtic plays Champions League football against Europe’s best teams. Middlesbrough might not even make it to the Premier League next season, having to play playoff games to secure promotion; in fact, to get to this position, they need Reading to do them a favour and beat Luton when they make the trip there on the final day of the season. Or Champions Fulham to beat Sheffield United.

Celtic signed Matt O’Riley instead of McGree. I’ve got to say, I’m glad that the former Birmingham player snubbed Celtic. Watching O’Riley, it’s clear he possesses quality. He’s recently been called up to Denmark under 21s, who he will represent in the future, showing the midfielder’s potential. Compared to McGree, Orliey has played 14 times for Celtic, many from off the bench, and bagged three goals and three assists.

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