CELTIC do NOT need to sell in-demand midfield mastermind Matt O’Riley in the summer.
The London-born Danish international playmaker, who cost a bargain £1.5million from English third-tier club MK Dons in January 2022, has been linked with a big-money exit from the champions.
La Liga giants Atletico Madrid failed in a bid to sign O’Riley in January, but are expected to renew their interest in the stylish 23-year-old performer at the end of the season.
Several Premier League outfits – with Newcastle already mentioned – are reportedly taking notice of the Celtic Player of the Year who has had an outstanding campaign.
Brendan Rodgers took time off preparing his squad for tonight’s second last Premiership outing of his comeback crusade against Kilmarnock at Rugby to address the situation.
PARADISE…Matt O’Riley takes a bow after his Man-of-the-Match performance in the 2-1 derby triumph.
The Irishman said: “There is quite a lot of speculation about Matt and big clubs being interested in him. It happened in January, as well.
“But we don’t have to sell. We are not in a position to do that.
“Of course, if something comes in just as it did in January, then at a club like Celtic it will always be looked at. However, there is no need to sell.
“Matt has had a brilliant season for us,”
Rodgers, speaking to the Scottish Sun, continued: “It is great testament to his professionalism and how he has developed as a football player.
“Naturally, those players will attract attention if they’ve done well and you have done well at a club of this status and performed under pressure then the attention will come.
“It is not something I lose sleep over.”
ROARING SUCCESS…Matt O’Riley celebrates converting his penalty in Celtic’s 6-5 spot-kick shoot-out success over Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup semi-final.
O’Riley will be in his usual midfield berth alongside skipper Callum McGregor and Japanese ace Reo Hatate against Killie tonight where one point will seal the club’s third successive title and their twelfth crown in 13 years.
Also likely to be in at the start is the rejuvenated James Forrest who has been a stand-out operator in the last few weeks.
Rodgers is backing the much-decorated 32-year-old wide Bhoy to gatecrash Steve Clarke’s Scotland international squad for the Euros which will kick off with a game against the hosts Germany on Friday June 14.
The Hoops gaffer added: “I think there is no doubt that Steve will have in his mind what players he wants to bring.
“There is also no doubt when you see James in the games and the effectiveness that he has whether it is to play for a period or come into the game and have an influence.
“I don’t think there is any doubt that he could still do that and he has proven it over the last period.”
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