Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou could well choose to start Matt O’Riley from the bench again on the weekend in their Scottish Cup semi-final.
That is according to The Athletic’s Celtic correspondent, Kieran Devlin, who feels despite O’Riley’s display at the weekend, he may still fail to break into the starting XI.
Would you start O'Riley on Sunday?
Yes
No
O’Riley came on at half-time last weekend in the Bhoys’ 7-0 thumping of St Johnstone, and in his 45-minute appearance, the midfielder was able to find the back of the net on two occasions (via Transfermarkt).
The 21-year-old has made an impressive start to life at Parkhead with one goal and two assists in his first five league appearances, but has since seen his role reduced to a sporadic one.
Postecoglou’s side face a huge game against their city rivals on Sunday at Hampden Park with a spot in the final on the line, and it is apparent Devlin is not sure O’Riley has quite convinced the manager to start him.
He wrote: “O’Riley was great at the weekend, and traditional logic would have it that brilliant form is rewarded with a start. But there’s a good chance he’s benched for Sunday. Match form is only one factor among many behind Postecoglou’s team selections.”
TIF Thoughts on Devlin’s comments…
In the Hoops’ last meeting with Rangers just the other week, O’Riley only came on for the final 14 minutes, which does not exactly fill us with confidence he could be included in the starting XI on Sunday.
However, O’Riley may feel hard done by if he doesn’t start on the weekend after what was a stunning display on Saturday when coming on for the second half.
However, he showed against St Johnstone how much of an impact he can provide from the bench, and Postecoglou may want to keep this as a potential weapon in case the game doesn’t go in their favour.
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