‘Playing with a cigar and slippers on’: Media stunned by Celtic midfielder’s ‘9/10’ display v Rangers

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Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley earned widespread praise from Scottish media following his masterclass against Rangers.

Ange Postecoglou’s charges ran out 4-0 winners over their Glasgow rivals at Parkhead.

Celtic suffered an early blow as Kyogo Furuhashi had to come off, but this did not unsettle the Premiership champions.

Liel Abada opened the scoring eight minutes in, forcing the ball home after a quick throw-in.

Just after the half-hour mark, Jota made it two.

The Portuguese winger picked up the ball from O’Riley and chipped over McLaughlin into the empty net.

And five minutes before the break, Abada fired low into the net for his second of the afternoon.

Substitute David Turnbull then got handed a goal on a silver platter, McLaughlin accidentally gifting him the ball.

A superb performance from Celtic, with O’Riley absolutely dazzling on the day.

He was credited with two assists, even though it looked as though he might’ve had three.

‘Looked a cut above’

Glasgow Live gave O’Riley a 9/10 rating and wrote: “It’s easy to see why some of Europe’s elite are said to be after him.

“Two assists and was playing the game with a cigar and slippers on.

“An excellent array of passes and looked a cut above anyone in midfield technically.”

Likewise, Glasgow World went with 9/10, describing O’Riley as “outstanding.

“The most composed player on the park and frustrated the lie out of Rangers midfield.

“Played a leading role in two of his team-mates goals, flicking Taylor’s cross on for Abada and playing Jota through.”

The Daily Record gave O’Riley 8/10, writing: “Alert and alive to a quick throw in.

“And he delivered a cross for Abada to open the scoring and sublime through pass for Jota to bag the second.

“In the box at the third and a constant threat.”

And The Scotsman also went with 8/10, writing: “Along with Abada, perhaps Celtic’s stand out player in the opening half.

“Seemed to be everywhere. Two assists too. Flicked the ball back across for Abada’s opener then his quick thinking at a free-kick played in Jota for 2-0.”