Ex-Celtic forward Simon Donnelly is backing Matt O’Riley to start ahead of Tom Rogic against Rangers tomorrow.
The newly-capped Denmark U21 international has impressed since arriving from MK Dons in the January transfer window, and Donnelly feels the midfielder has more than justified his place in the team ahead of a massive derby:
“Midfield three – I’m changing my mind all the time. I’m going to go [with] the three from the last game – McGregor, Hatate and O’Riley. I know that leaves Rogic out, one of the callers had touched on Bitton, but I think he’ll go with that three. It’s credit to O’Riley that I’m even considering him ahead of Rogic but he’s had a fantastic start to his career at Celtic. I think he’s a very good footballer, very similar to Rogic. So a great bit of recruitment and a good headache for Ange to have.”
Keeping Rogic on the bench against Rangers would be a big call to make. The Australian international has only just returned to training after an injury, but his superb record in these occasions means you would want to have him on the pitch.
A midfield trio of O’Riley, Reo Hatate and Callum McGregor would definitely be formidable; with the three players having dominated the game during the 3-0 win over the Gers back in February. However, it must be said, that Hatate has not been firing on all cylinders recently.
Whether manager Ange Postecoglou will agree with Donnelly’s selection choices, we shall have to wait and see.
