Matt O’Riley could find himself fast-tracked straight into the Celtic side at Alloa today in the Scottish Cup.
The midfielder completed his transfer from MK Dons on Thursday afternoon to become the fifth Celtic signing of the January transfer window.
O’Riley is something of an unknown quantity with Celtic fans looking for information from England over what sort of midfielder he is with chat about 6s, 8s or 10s.
A record of seven goals from 23 appearances I League One suggests that the new bhoy likes to push forward and get among the goals.
Writing in the Daily Record, Chris Sutton can see a quick opportunity as Tom Rogic flies off to play in World Cup qualifiers.
Losing Tom Rogic on Australia duty isn’t great news, but Callum McGregor can go into the role if needed now that Hatate is there with Nir Bitton, James McCarthy or Ideguchi able to sit.
It might even be that Matt O’Riley is viewed as being able to step right into the Rogic void over the next fortnight if gets bedded into the team after moving from MK Dons. From what I hear, it’s a job he can do.
With today’s Scottish Cup tie being played on a plastic pitch there is a strong chance that Ange Postecoglou will leave Rogic out of his squad which could create a place for O’Riley.
Wednesday night at Tynecastle will be a critical match in the SPFL title race, and not the sort of fixture that you’d want to throw someone in for their debut.
