HE’S RILEY IMPORTANT
Celts boss Rodgers isn’t surprised by Matt mega bid but insists his best player won’t be sold in January
BRENDAN RODGERS has hammered home the message Matt O’riley is not for sale during the January transfer window.
The Celtic boss revealed Atletico Madrid’s bid – believed to be around £20m for the playmaker – was way below the clubs’ valuation.
But he insisted the Parkhead club are not looking to cash in on O’riley right now at any price.
Rodgers, who will be without crocked Greg Taylor for at least a fortnight, said: “Matt is a player we don’t want to lose and he won’t be going anywhere in January.
‘He is very much part of what we are doing. He has been a joy to work with and I had a good chat with Matt this
morning and he is someone who will A BHOY IN
be here for us in the second part of DEMAND
the season.
Matt O’reilly trained “It’s one of the things I have been normally yesterday really impressed with Matt, his after Celtic turned down a bid from mentality, his professionalism and Atletico the respect he has for Celtic. He had
an opportunity in the summer but he was very happy to extend here and obviously Atletico Madrid is a huge club but he also knows he is in a great place here. He has really kicked on this season and he wants to continue with that.
“We have no want to sell and no need to and he will be here for the second part of the season.
“What has come in for Matt in the time I have been here is nowhere near the valuation of the quality of player he is. But even if it was we are in a position where we don’t want to sell.”
Rodgers held crunch talks with
O’riley yesterday morning and was left convinced the Denmark cap is content with
Celtic’s decision not to sell to the
La Liga powerhouses.
Rodgers said:
“Listen, I could have ignored it.
But I pulled him in this morning and we had a good chat about it. I like to be open with the player so they understand the feeling.
“So he understands totally and knows where he is at. He’s had it before in the summer and has seen the progress he’s made since then. It’s flattering when it’s a real prestigious club of the European game.
“But I’m pretty sure he’ll get his rewards later on, whether it’s here or elsewhere. But at this moment in time he’s developing really well. He’s become a full International and a top Champions League club with resources are keen to take
him.
“But I think he also knows he’s at a massive club here.” Rodgers will have new Bhoy Nicolas Kuhn available for Ross County tomorrow, along with Callum Mcgregor and Cameron Carter-vickers.