Simon Donnelly thinks 'fantastic' 21-year-old will start for Celtic at Rangers

Simon Donnelly has praised Celtic youngster Matt O’Riley and tipped him to start against Rangers on Sunday.

The former Hoops striker was speaking to Go Radio ahead of the big Glasgow derby at Ibrox.

Celtic have the opportunity to leave Rangers trailing by six points if they triumph at the home of their rivals.

Ange Postecoglou has a selection headache ahead of the match, with James Forrest the only injury concern.

Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda and Tom Rogic trained ahead of the game and are in contention to start in the derby.

However, Donnelly believes O’Riley will get the nod ahead of Rogic.

“Midfield three – I’m changing my mind all the time,” he said on Go Radio, via Football Scotland.

“I’m going to go 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.”

“Steely will”

O’Riley has enjoyed a wonderful start to Parkhead career following his move to Celtic from MK Dons in January.

The 21-year-old has already made 13 competitive appearances for the Hoops, registering a goal and two assists.

O’Riley also made his Denmark Under-21s debut during the March international break.

He got 20 minutes for Jesper Sorensen’s side in their 1-1 Euro U21 qualifying draw with Belgium on 29 March.

The Daily Record quotes Sorensen as saying of O’Riley: “He is a thoughtful and pleasant young man who reflects a lot and has a steely will.

“He’s done a lot to integrate as well as possible in the squad.”