MATT O’RILEY insists he doesn’t pay much attention to transfer speculation linking him with a move from Celtic.
The smooth 23-year-old midfielder arrived at the club in a bargain £1.5million switch from English third-tier outfit MK Dons in January 2022 – and has seen his value soar with a series of eye-catching displays for the treble-winners.
However, the London-born former Danish Under-21 star is more than satisfied with life with the Scottish champions.
O’Riley admitted: “It’s hard not to be very happy at Celtic.
“Even things like being out in Asia and seeing all the fans, it’s hard not to love the club. I’ve been here 18 months now and feel a massive part of it.
BEST FOOT FORWARD…Matt O’Riley clips in a left-foot cross in the 3-1 Scottish Cup Final triumph over Inverness Caley Thistle at Hampden last month.
“I’m extremely grateful to be at this place and to have this experience. Speculation is just speculation. Being in a team that’s successful, it’s natural. Other players have it, as well.
“It’s not something to which I pay much attention, to be honest.
“I let people speculate, my job is to listen to what the new manager is saying and making sure I work hard.
“Is it better to get talked about than not talked about? Of course it is. I’m aware of the noise. At the same time, there can be good or bad noise — as long as I stay as neutral as possible my performances should be at a good level.”
O’Riley is also looking forward to working with second time-around Hoops gaffer Rodgers and stressed he was not having a go at ex-boss Ange Postecoglou when he stated the Irishman had brought a freshness and openness to the club.
The classy operator continued: “I don’t think I said anything bad about the previous manager. It was maybe blown out of proportion a little bit.
THANKS, MATE…Kyogo Furuhashi prepares to race towards Matt O’Riley (extreme left) after the midfielder had set up the opening goal in the soccer showpiece at the national stadium.
“Under the previous manager, I got so much better as a player. So, I can’t say I didn’t like him at all because in my career he’s the one I’ve learnt most from. I am very grateful to have been able to work with him.
“In terms of their styles, yeah, it’s very different. I don’t think there is any right or wrong way.
“Brendan had previous success here, but Ange showed when he was here he had major success, as well, and obviously got himself a really good move from it.
“For me, to have different styles to work with early in my career will help me.”
Looking ahead to the challenges that lie ahead on the home and European fronts, O’Riley, speaking to The Scottish Sun, added: “It’s a bit of a reset. It has to be for everyone with the managerial change. I wouldn’t say we have changed our principles and structure completely.
“But it is a reset in terms of mindset. Last season was great, but it’s done now.
TREBLE AHEAD…Matt O’Riley and Kyogo Furuhashi celebrate the breakthrough goal in the 3-1 win over the Highlanders – the victory that set up the club’s world record eighth domestic silverware clean sweep.
“This is a new season and that’s been instilled in us by the manager, as well. I’m just looking to kick on. That’s the aim every year.
“I’m young, but I’m not that young. It’s time for me to kick on and keep progressing.
“I will keep sticking to my process to get better mentally, physically and technically.
“If I can do that I’ll be in a good place.
“The manager has mentioned how he likes to develop young players. He’s going to be beneficial to a lot of players like me, because we have a young squad. It’s nice to work with someone who encourages that side of young players.
“He’s someone you can speak to on and off the pitch.
“Having someone to be able to speak to when I am curious about improving things will be really helpful.
“We also have John Kennedy, Gavin Strachan and Harry Kewell.”
O’Riley’s learning curve will continue in Dublin on Saturday when Rodgers’ men take on Wolves in the friendly encounter at The Aviva Stadium before the focus switches to Parkhead on Tuesday for the James Forrest Testimonial Match against Athletic Bilbao.
The competitive stuff kicks off with the Premiership opener against Ross County on Flag Day in the east end of Glasgow a week on Saturday.
