Ange Postecoglou hopes to build an ambitious dressing at Celtic after Matt O’Riley claimed he wants a 2022 World Cup call-up following his transfer, via quotes by The Scottish Sun.
O’Riley moved to Parkhead during the recent January window from MK Dons for £1.5m and has made an instant impact. The 21-year-old has provided two assists and scored once in five Premiership appearances so far. He has also started in four of his five available fixtures.
The London-born midfielder could now make his European debut when the Bhoys welcome Eliteserien champions Bodo/Glimt to Glasgow on Thursday. Kjetil Knutsen’s Norwegian side visit Scotland for the first-leg of their Europa Conference League knockout round play-off.
O’Riley left MK Dons after 54 first-team appearances in all competitions, capped at League One. He also scored seven goals and five assists over his final 26 English third-tier outings this term. His goal over Wimbledon and assist at Portsmouth led to wins in his last games.
The former Fulham prospect is now targeting his international breakthrough after moving to Parkhead in January. O’Riley is yet to make his senior debut following caps for England’s U16 and U18 sides. He last featured for his country in any competition in September 2017.
Postecoglou wants more ambition like O’Riley in Celtic dressing room
O’Riley stated earlier this week, via the Daily Record: “I have had thoughts about the World Cup, I won’t lie. It is definitely one of my bigger targets, I’d say. I feel like it’s possible now. I’m playing for a club such as Celtic now and I don’t think that is out of the question.”
Postecoglou sensed O’Riley’s ambition from the first time the Celtic boss spoke to him over a transfer from MK Dons. The Australian now hopes to see that drive spread throughout his Parkhead ranks further following the additions he has made since taking over last summer.
“I could see how ambitious he was,” Postecoglou said. “He wants to be the best footballer he can be and get to the very top. Whether it is with his club side or the international team, he wants to experience it all.
“What I am hoping is to have a dressing room full of that, and that’s the type of players we have brought in. They are hugely ambitious, hugely driven, and want to be the best. If you have a dressing-room full of that, it helps push yourself.”
As well as Postecoglou’s January signing being eligible for England, O’Riley could represent Denmark – via the Celtic midfielder’s mother – or Norway but has not featured for either yet.
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