Neil Lennon says what every Celtic fan is thinking amid transfer noise around Matt O’Riley

Neil Lennon has made it clear that Matt O’Riley is just ‘too good’ for Celtic to let go during the January transfer window.

One of the main reasons why Celtic are sitting top of the Scottish Premiership table is because of Matt O’Riley’s performances.As Neil Lennon highlighted, the 23-year-old has probably been the ‘outstanding individual’ in Scotland this season, as he told Viaplay Sport (21/01/24 at 3:40 pm). It’s not just on the domestic stage or against Rangers where the quick-thinking midfielder has thrived, but also in the Champions League.Those link-ups with Kyogo Furuhashi in Europe were brilliant, not forgetting that ridiculously good assist for Gustaf Lagerbielke’s winner against Feyenoord.

Those were just further signs as to the brilliance of Matt O’Riley and why the Parkhead faithful adore him so much.But with interest ramping up on the Denmark international, Neil Lennon was pretty clear on what he thought about his future.

Matt O’Riley’s future at Celtic

“I fully expected that (on O’Riley saying he is happy at Celtic),” said Lennon. “He’s just too good a player to let go. “Maybe look at things at the end of the season. Hopefully, from Celtic’s point of view, they will be hoping to have another title. “But he has really blossomed this season, not just with his goals, but his assists. Even in the big games in the Champions League and against Rangers. He has probably been the outstanding individual player in the league this year.“So, I think he has really matured this year into a top-class player.”

 

Matt O’Riley isn’t going anywhere

There was even talk in the summer about O’Riley leaving, but he put his head down, performed and also signed a new deal. That proves that Celtic fans have nothing to worry about during this final week of the January transfer window, even if teams knock for his talents. Plus, whilst there is all this talk about Celtic needing to bring in proven quality to progress in Europe. The powers that be also need to remember that the likes of O’Riley need to stay at the club for the long-term for that success to be seen in the Champions League.

 

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