You can see why Ange Postecoglou likes Matt O’Riley.
A tenacious, technically-gifted playmaker capable of producing defence-splitting through balls or making perfectly-timed late runs into the penalty area, the MK Dons maestro has seven goals and six assists to his name this term.
At the age of 21, he has plenty of time on his side, potential by the bucketload and, at £1.5 million, arrives at Parkhead with colossal re-sale value.
What’s more, the left-footed O’Riley will allow Postecoglou to rotate his attacking midfield options, easing the creative burden on the overworked David Turnbull and Tom Rogic.
Whisper it but Celtic may finally be about to secure the services of a bonafide Ryan Christie replacement.
It’s five months since Christie left for Bournemouth but, hey, better late than never, right?
Is MK Dons’ Matt O’Riley a £1.5m Celtic bargain?
“O’Riley’s just turned 21,” Quest’s EFL oracle Ali Maxwell said after the former Fulham youngster scored two picture-book goals, one with either foot, against Morecambe in November.
“This is his first full season of senior football and I think MK Dons have get a really special player.
“You can tell sometimes when someone’s just a little too good for the level.
“When they’ve got a little too much quality, when it looks like they’ve got more time on the ball than anyone else, when it looks like they can do more with it than anyone else.
“I’m ready to say O’Riley ticks that box.”
According to The Athletic, the former England U18 international will become Celtic’s fifth January signing. He will cost £1.5 million.
In a strange twist of fate, O’Riley arrives after Celtic missed out on his near-namesake – Riley McGree – to Middlesbrough.
Swansea City were expected snatch a man who dazzled under Liberty Stadium boss Russell Martin at MK Dons.
Understandably, given their current position of 17th, Swans supporters were far from happy to find out that Celtic have pipped them to the post. Especially for as little as £1.5 million.
But there’s not the same bitterness hanging in the air at Stadium MK. After just 12 months and 53 appearances, the time for O’Riley to take a step up the footballing ladder has already arrived.
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