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‘He will leave’: Former Celtic star believes he will depart the club in 2024
Former Celtic defender Mark Wilson fears that this will be Matt O’Riley’s last season at the Scottish Premiership giants with the Denmark global going from energy to energy beneath Brendan Rodgers.
Celtic rejected an ambitious £10 million bid from Leeds United at the end of the summer season (The Sun). And, in truth, you’d be fortunate to get even Matt O’Riley’s weaker proper leg for that these days.
Since Leeds’ offer came and went, the former Fulham teenager has emerge as a full worldwide with Denmark, has brought desires to his game, and is making a splash on the Champions League stage too with a ‘beautiful’ assist against Spanish giants Atletico Madrid the apparent standout.
Following a season of such progress, Wilson fears that O’Riley is sure to emerge as the modern day in a sequence of big-money Celtic departures.
Is Matt O’Riley’s time at Celtic coming to an end?
“I suppose there is a precise hazard that he will go,” Wilson, a three-time Scottish Premiership champion between 2006 and 2008, tells the Daily Record.
“I say that as Celtic knocked lower back a big bid this summer. £10 million. Now, he’s a full international. And, on the lower back of the six months he’s had from summer season to now, you see him getting better.
“I simply assume anyone will recognise that. I assume people will already have recognized that. It will take a large bid and I assume it will be a lot of money. But my worry is Matt O’Riley won’t be at Celtic at the begin of next season.”
Interest from Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham
At £1.5 million from third-tier MK Dons, O’Riley is one of Celtic’s great pound-for-pound signings in the cutting-edge era. And that is saying something given that Moussa Dembele, Victor Wanyama and Virgil van Dijk all handed through Parkhead.
The elegant, left-footed playmaker has six desires and seven assists already this term. A ‘goal contribution’ each and every 1.3 video games under Rodgers.
Clubs the dimension of Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle have all been linked with O’Riley at quite a number points. According to The Sun, there is a threat that the London-born Dane could eventually be reunited with former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham Hotspur too.
Disaster for the former £5 million Celtic player, only 37 minutes have passed since the Hoops departed
When Albian Ajeti touched down in Turkey on the final day of the summer time transfer window, the former Celtic striker would have strolled off the aircraft with a renewed feel of optimism and a ravenous urge for food for a fresh start.
It had been a lengthy time, after all, since Albian Ajeti was banging in the goals at Basel. The striker flopped at West Ham United and didn’t precisely fare much better at Celtic either, while a loan spell at Sturm Graz proved in a similar way underwhelming.
Celtic recouped simply £500,000 worth of their £5 million investment when Ajeti put pen to paper with Turkish Super Lig outfit Gazientep at the begin of September (Sky Sports). It is testament to how things have gone for the luckless striker in Turkey, however, that Celtic show up to have got the higher of that late-summer deal as matters stand.
Albian Ajeti struggling after Celtic exit
Ajeti has played solely 37 of a plausible 680 minutes so far at Gazientep. A intention on his debut in opposition to Istanbulspor is as suitable as things have gotten so far. That early optimism hastily changed by using a familiar, déjà vu inducing sense of frustration.
Ajeti has overlooked Gazientep’s closing 4 video games with a muscle tear. The injury curse which wrecked his hopes of a everlasting move to Sturm Graz following him to the furthest reaches of Europe.
Injured again
“I had a wonderful, superb time,” Ajeti told Laola1 a few weeks ago, a bittersweet tang to his tone. “I sincerely enjoyed it, I met first-rate human beings and was once capable to work with amazing human beings – from the teaching team to the employees, the board, to the teammates and fans.
“It was once fun.
“The solely component that wasn’t as fun have been the injuries I stored having,” he adds with a sigh. “Unfortunately, I couldn’t keep away from them.”
Try as he might, Ajeti simply cannot get away the health issues which continue to canine his once-promising career.
John Hartson plays the Celtic blame game in the Green Brigade defense after the AGM lightning rod sparks ‘singled out’ dread
The Welshman has pointed the finger at other clubs amid fears the Hoops are being handled unfairly.
Celtic hero John Hartson has set up a defence for the Green Brigade following the club’s AGM.
The Celtic ultras are at loggerheads with Parkhead chiefs after the membership introduced that every body who belonged to the team – round 2 hundred human beings – had their season tickets suspended for the foreseeable future. They stated it was due to an “increasingly serious escalation in unacceptable behaviours and non-compliance with applicable regulations.”
Fingers have been pointed at the controversial fan group for the club racking up several UEFA sanctions over the years – but it remained a hot subject matter at the AGM with any point out of the Green Brigade being met with a combine of cheering and booing from the gathered crowd. But Celtic hero Hartson fears that both the club and supporters have been “singled out” with supporters of other side being branded “no angels.”
He instructed Go Radio: “It looks like in a way that they are singling Celtic and the Green Brigade out. Yes, they have acquired their faults.
“Yes, they have price Celtic a lot of money over the years in fines but additionally you have to appear at different golf equipment – and I hope they are – due to the fact all the golf equipment will have exact eggs and awful eggs. In phrases of what they sing, how they act; I played in Scotland for 5 years and I have been at away grounds and heard what they say and what they are chanting.
“I simply hope that Celtic are no longer the only membership being regarded at. I hope it is looked at across the board as other golf equipment fans are no angels either.”
Jim Goodwin admits to making the ‘worst error’ at Celtic before leaving.
Jim Goodwin has published his “biggest mistake” at Celtic as a participant came when he provided to play right-back on his debut.
The Dundee United boss made his solely appearance for Celtic beneath Kenny Dalglish back in 2000.
Goodwin – who before managed Aberdeen, St Mirren and Alloa – has revealed he supplied to fill in at full-back on his debut as he allowed John Kennedy to play in central defence.
The League Cup winner used to be in line to play centrally himself in the healthy in opposition to Dundee United however offered to change function with Kennedy to help his team-mate.
However, Goodwin reckons his strive to exhibit a “good attitude” came again to “bite him on the a***” as Kennedy went on to play in addition suits for Celtic and transition into a teaching function at the club following his playing career.
Discussing his debut on Open Goal, Goodwin commented: “When John Barnes got the sack then Kenny Dalglish and Tommy [Burns] had taken over simply on a caretaker role.
“And listen, they had been giving out debuts like packets of crisps at that time.
“Guys like myself and one or two others had been given that danger in the ultimate sport of the season.”
And on his role change provide that backfired, Goodwin explained: “I started out the sport and one of the mistakes I made in the build-up to that game that I haven’t certainly spoke about a outstanding deal however we were shaping up and John Kennedy was once supposed to play right back.
“I do not understand if he will have in mind it but he was once like a duck out of water taking part in at proper lower back and I used to be taking part in at proper centre-half which used to be my position coming via the system.
“And I had offered to play right returned rather because Kendo didn’t favor to do it and I thought, ‘I don’t idea taking part in there’.
“That was probable my biggest mistake. He was once gorgeous at centre-half and I was once bang average at centre-half! I went off with cramp after about seventy five minutes because I was walking up and down the line and I wasn’t used to doing that!”
The Dundee United boss joked: “Listen, I would by no means have been the Celtic centre-half for 20 years! I said to Tommy, I said, ‘If he would not desire to play there I don’t idea taking part in there’.
“I thinking I used to be doing a exact issue and displaying a properly mindset to the manager however it got here again to chew me on the a*** due to the fact Kendo went on to play a hell of a lot of games at centre-half!”
‘Bad, bad man,’ The National media react to the current international performance of the 25-year-old Celtic player
Celtic’s players are starting to have a fantastic international week as the fixtures pile up.
Callum McGregor was crucial in Scotland’s 2-2 draw with Georgia on Thursday night, and TBR Celtic reported on Luis Palma’s 2-0 win against Mexico.
Cameron Carter-Vickers is the next in line. The 25-year-old Celtic defender started for the USMT in their 2-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago, and if the ratings from the US media are any indication, the Celtic defender has also impressed.
Cameron Carter-Vickers is a great ambassador for Celtic in America.
The’man mountain’ of a defender looked great as he helped the USA preserve a clean sheet, and it appears that the Celtic stopper has wowed the media.
Goal: (7/10) Provided physical presence in the few instances that T&T did go forward, which were few and far between.
ESPN’s review: “7 — Few complaints about the central defender that worked well with Tim Ream while providing crucial defensive interventions.”
“7” MLS Soccer Carter-Vickers, who started alongside Ream, had nothing to complain about as he and the defense recorded a clean sheet.”
Cameron Carter-Vickers: 8 — NBC Sports The Celtics’ running back is a bad, bad man. At the age of 25, he is clearly approaching his prime.”
Carter-Vickers is an important first-team member for Celtic.
Celtic’s £6 million signing from Tottenham Hotspur has been outstanding thus far this season. With the exception of his gaffe against Lazio, the US defender has been dominant in the Hoops backline.
Carter-Vickers, who has formed a combination with the excellent Liam Scales, seems just as strong this season as he did the previous two seasons with Carl Starfelt, averaging a 7.3 in the Scottish Premiership according to football ratings site SofaScore.
He has previously impressed at the international level. His return to US play in October had been widely anticipated, with the media claiming that he would bring’stability’ to what seems to be a frail backline.
Carter-Vickers’ next match is a return trip to Trinidad on November 21st, where Celtic fans will be praying for another strong performance and an injury-free CCV.
Another Celtic star qualifies for EURO 2024, which might be significant for the Bhoys’ form
After Scotland’s authentic qualification for next year’s European Championships booked a area for Callum McGregor and the rest of the Celtic contingent in the Scottish squad, every other Bhoys player may want to be heading to the principal tournament.
Matt O’Riley was on the bench for Denmark as they beat Slovenia 2-1 on Friday night, confirming their spot at the finals in Germany next summer.
O’Riley was a late addition to the Danish squad after missing out on the initial announcement but has now been protected in manager Kasper Hjulmand’s group in two consecutive global windows, giving the midfielder real hope of making a similarly push into his plans.
There’s even a threat he makes his debut for the country over the coming days, with Denmark taking part in away to Northern Ireland in a match that can now be used for experimentation with qualification secured.
Celtic should benefit from brought O’Riley motivation
O’Riley has already been in great shape for Celtic this season. He’s scored six dreams and assisted seven instances when you consider that Brendan Rodgers arrived at the club, marking him out as one of the Bhoys’ most superb performers this season.
High-profile pundits such as Chris Sutton are calling him the pleasant participant in Scotland right now. Meanwhile, journalist Fabrizio Romano reckons he’s now well worth over £25m in the transfer market.
Now, with the introduced motivation of potentially booking a ticket to his first-ever global tournament, we could see even more from O’Riley over the coming weeks and months.
It would be outstanding to see Hjulmand provide O’Riley a debut in Belfast on Monday night and mild a fire below the midfielder to prove himself in addition at membership level.
A hungry and ruthless O’Riley can be a terror for opposition defences at domestic and abroad. We could well see the quality of him from this factor onwards and that’s an thrilling thought.
Raging Rangers fan pulls pyro panic button over ‘fine’ as Celtic hero erupts into spiky on air ‘killjoys’ defence
Rangers followers display for the duration of the go to to Dens Park has sparked issues internal the SPFL.
Irked Mark Wilson has insisted that the SPFL are not being “killjoys” with the aid of searching to cast off pyrotechnics from the stands.
It came as the former Celtic defender fielded issues that the Rangers will be hit with an SPFL sanction following the controversial display in the stands against Dundee. The players were ordered to go away the pitch through ref Kevin Clancy just two minutes into the Scottish Premiership when a surprising show of pyro from the Rangers fans compelled a fire alarm to go off.
Police Scotland and the Scottish Government have expressed issues over the event and Dundee have slammed the moves of the away support. This sparked problem from Clyde 1 Superscoreboard caller Billy as he hit out at the pyro declaring: “As a Rangers fan I was disgusted with the aid of it. All the delays, and I know there is going to be a fine coming for Rangers.”
Host Gordon Duncan chimed in: “I’m definitely now not positive there will be. The SPFL handle these matters a bit otherwise to UEFA.”
That sparked a heated rant from former Hoops defender, stating: ‘There is a proper safety situation here for supporters. Never thought the players, it is horrific sufficient when you are disrupting them and your focal point on getting a fantastic outcome, however what about the followers that don’t have flares?
“Does anybody ever assume about them being surrounded through the ones who managed to light these things up? There is a true protection problem – it is not due to the fact the SFA and SPFL choose to be killjoys. It’s due to the fact the protection officers don’t think there is a secure way of conducting it.”
![DUNDEE, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 01: Rangers fans light up the Bob Shankly stand with pyro during a cinch Premiership match between Dundee FC and Rangers at The Scot Foam Stadium at Dens Park, on November 01, 2023, in Dundee, Scotland. (Photo by Ross Parker/SNS Group via Getty Images)](https://i2-prod.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/incoming/article31345346.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_GettyImages-1758120563.jpg)
Fans mild up the Bob Shankly stand with pyro at some stage in the cinch Premiership healthy between Dundee and Rangers at The Scot Foam Stadium at Dens Park on Wednesday night
Duncan then put it to Wilson that they might also need to come up with a protected way of allowing fans to use the general pyro: “How do you do that with some thing that incorporates heat? I’m no longer an expert.
“In my previous position I did some work with Police Scotland and they have enlightened me to some of the issues. I get that it appears colourful – however when it is to the detriment of your own fans definitely there has received to be some common sense. Are they in England? The largest league in the world? Do we need them?”
Record Sport understands that any sanctions for Rangers show up not likely as golf equipment have previously now not been punished if in a position to show they had taken reasonable precautions.
Who exactly is Kanji Okunuki? Celtic’s scouting subject is in the spotlight after Hearts completed summer research on Japanese sensation
Brendan Rodgers wishes reinforcements in January and the champions have reportedly been observing the Nurnberg attacker.
It should come as no shock that Celtic have been linked with any other Japanese talent.
The Hoops have reportedly been scouting Kanji Okunuki “intensively” over the final few weeks after playing massive success plundering the Japanese participant market below Ange Postecoglou. Kyogo is the primary man whilst compatriots Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda are key participants of the squad, with Brendan Rodgers persevering with to rely heavily on them notwithstanding a change in style when you consider that the Aussie’s departure. Tomoki Iwata stays on the fringes, however scored his first intention for the membership towards Hearts remaining month and looks like he has something to offer.
Yuki Kobayashi looks like he should be on his way out, failing to be quoted even all through a central defensive harm crisis, solely named on the bench once this season. Yosuke ideguchi has grow to be something of a forgotten man out on loan at Avispa Fukuoka again in Japan, although nonetheless has over two years left to run on his Celtic contract.
Okunuki ought to be the cutting-edge Japanese import to swell the ranks. But who is he and what would he add? Record Sport takes a nearer look.
Who is Kanji Okunuki?
The 24-year-old was once born in Saitama and advanced thru the youth ranks with local membership Omiya Ardija earlier than graduating to the pinnacle team in January 2018. 14 goals in almost 100 appearances caught the interest of Gornik Zabrze of Poland. He joined the Ekstraklasa membership on a season-long mortgage in August 2022, which blanketed an choice to make the deal permanent.
However, that wasn’t taken up and Okunuki joined Nurnberg ultimate summer. He’s scored four goals in 15 appearances for the Bundesliga two outfit and received his first call up to the Japan squad last month, however is yet to make his debut for the Samurai Blue.
What type of player is he?
Okunuki is right footed but performs on the left. With Liel Abada out injured and Yang set to join Oh in the South Korea squad for the Asian Cup, that ought to come in handy. He can also operate in the No 10 position and as a 2d striker, even though it is a No. 9 Brendan Rodgers virtually wants with Kyogo additionally set to be away with his country.
With nearly four possession recoveries in the opposition’s 1/2 per game, Okunuki would show up to suit Celtic’s urgent style, even if it’s no longer as extreme as it was once under Ange. He has two assists this season, though that quantity would be expected to go up playing in a crew like eltic’s, which dominates most video games and create extra chances.
Haven’t we heard his name before?
Yes, he was closely linked with Hearts last summer time before making the move to Germany. The Jambos had been in the market for a 2d striker or attacking midfielder and Okunuki healthy the invoice after Yutaro Oda impressed after an preliminary settling in period. However, a quoted price of £400,000 made him an luxurious proposition for the Tynecastle club and after an initial enquiry, there was no concrete approach, which allowed Nurnberg to get their man.
That kind of charge would not have been an difficulty for Celtic. However, Nurnberg’s willingness to let him depart and what kind of rate they would be looking for remains to be seen.
Conor McGregor praises the Green Brigade tifo as he unveils Celtic plans
Conor McGregor has said that he hopes to visit Celtic Park one day.
The UFC fighter used to social media to applaud a fan display put on by the Green Brigade several years ago as part of an online Q&A.
McGregor is a big Celtic fan, and he hasn’t been shy about admitting it.
During Kierney’s first stint under Brendan Rodgers, he formed a strong friendship with him.
This is incredible! Hopefully one day for sure! https://t.co/mpIDS40Val
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) November 15, 2023
His fellow Celtic fans have also been major followers of the MMA fighter.
McGregor was mentioned in a banner raised by the Green Brigade ahead of Celtic’s 5-0 triumph against Astana in Champions League qualifying.
His catchphrase, which he employed after defeating Diego Brandao in 2014, was “We’re not here to take part, we’re here to take over!”
He earlier stated about the banner, “Celtic Football Club STAND UP!!!” This is what die-hard fan support looks like! What an amazing sight! What a group! Thank you very much!”
Now, in response to a fan on X, the 35-year-old addressed the famous banner once more and disclosed his plans to attend a Parkhead game.
“Any plans to visit Celtic Park in the future?” inquired one user. I’m sure you’d be greeted as a hero by all your brethren from across the pond. I’m sure Kieran Tierney would be pleased.”
“This is incredible!” exclaimed the Notorious B.I.G. Hopefully, one day!”
Gustaf Lagerbielke, however, almost signed for a “half-assed team in Belgium” before joining Celtic.
Elfsborg managing director Stefan Andreasson says the 23-year-old may have lost out on a transfer to Parkhead.
Lagerbielke joined the Scottish champions for £3 million during the summer transfer window and was thrust into the starting lineup in August due to an injury issue at center-back.
However, after the return of Cameron Carter-Vickers, he has failed to keep a regular starting spot on the team.
‘Amaizing’: Pundit believes Celtic have a 22-year-old player who is ‘frightening’
Celtic have a quantity of players proper now who are continuing to provoke pundits, media people and fans this season.
Luis Palma is certainly the man of the moment at Celtic right now as the Honduran enjoys the adulation of the supporters and his country’s media.
Kyogo Furuhashi’s goalscoring exploits proceed to impress as the Japanese striker netted as soon as more at the weekend.
But a pundit has been sincerely blown away with Celtic midfielder, Matt O’Riley this season. The 22-year-old has been in scintillating shape for Brendan Rodgers.
O’Riley’s goalscoring has extended so much under the Celtic manager this season that he has been attracting the interest from the likes of Spurs.
Former Scotland striker, Kevin Kyle, has admitted that he is a huge admirer of O’Riley and says that the midfielder is so good, it’s frightening.
Kyle stated [Open Goal], “You understand who I think is amazing? The boy [Matt] O’Riley is frightening. Callum McGregor is simply shoring the whole thing up and O’Riley simply goes anywhere he wants.
“But it’s how he takes the ball, how he receives it. He’s constantly on the half-turn. I don’t know.
“There’s being affected person but it’s his off-the-ball movement that permits him to get the opportunities.”
O’Riley’s form for Celtic has meant that he has already had to put up with some heavy switch hypothesis this season.
TBR Celtic shared this afternoon how Crystal Palace now keep an interest in O’Riley with reports claiming that any bids north of £10m will be ample to make Celtic think about accepting.
Yeah, £10m and the rest. Recently being valued at well over £12m, the amount of interest the Danish u21 international is attracting ability that any fee Celtic will ultimately acquire for O’Riley is likely to be north of £20m and more.
No doubt the nearer we get to the January window, the greater speculation we’ll hear about O’Riley however at least Celtic are secure in the know-how that after signing a new 5-year deal at the club, Celtic can demand top dollar for their prized asset.
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