Celtic star delivers clear message amid Leicester City rumours

It was only last January that Celtic signed Matt O’Riley from MK Dons. He did not appear to be their first-choice either, as the Hoops were initially linked with Australian midfielder, Riley McGree. But that failed to materialise as he ended up joining Middlesbrough and the Hoops brought in the Danish youth international instead. In hindsight, it worked out very well for Ange Postecoglou’s side.

O’Riley was brilliant in the second half of the campaign and with Tom Rogic leaving the club at the end of last season, he is expected to be the long-term successor of the Australian at Celtic.

At the same time though, his performances appear to be already drawing the interest of clubs from down South, with rumours suggesting that former Celtic manager, Brendan Rodgers, might be keen on bringing him to Leicester City.

Judging from some of O’Riley’s recent comments though, he does not seem to be looking for the Parkhead exit door. Instead, he seems to be looking forward to playing in the Champions League and winning a place in the World Cup squad. As reported by 67 Hail Hail, he told Sky Sports:

"“I probably have a few targets. First of all, just to improve my level, naturally. I thought I did well last season but I still think I can do a lot more. This season I really want to kick on, for myself, then push on for other things like cups.“Of course, the World Cup is a target. I’ve said it before, I want to be there so I’m going to do my best to do that. Hopefully, Champions League exposure will help a little bit with that as long as I do my best there, hopefully I’ve got a good chance.”"

Celtic star delivers clear message amid rumours linking him with Leicester City

A lot of eyebrows were raised when Celtic first made the move for O’Riley. While he had been a standout at MK Dons, it was still in the League One. Thus, many wondered whether he would be able to adjust to playing for the Hoops.

It has not taken O’Riley long to answer those questions and he is one of Celtic’s key players already.

While you can never say never in football, it is very difficult to see Celtic parting ways with O’Riley anytime soon, unless they receive a transfer offer that is too good to turn down. His current deal with the club is believed to run till the summer of 2026.