Brendan Rodgers Gives Matt O’Riley Return Date

Celtic’s preseason kicked off with a 1-1 draw against Ayr, where manager Brendan Rodgers chose to give different lineups a runout in each half.

The focus was on building match fitness rather than the outcome, though some fans may have noted the absence of key players Matt O’Riley and Liam Scales from the Game.

Rodgers later clarified that both players had only recently returned to training and were spared for this initial outing. He assured that both would be back in action for the upcoming friendly against Queens Park on Wednesday.

“Liam is just back,” he said to the Scotsman. “He was on international duty so he’ll come into the fold for the Game next week. Matt O’Riley is back in, a few of the other guys have started to drip feed in, so they’ll come into the Game for next Wednesday.”

While O’Riley has been subject to intense transfer speculation this summer, with several clubs reportedly interested, he remains with Celtic for now.

There won’t be any new faces taking to the pitch on Wednesday, with Celtic still yet to complete a summer incoming.

There could be a a face or two missing though. One of them could be Hyeongyu Oh. He’s had a lot of rumours surround him and Brendan Rodgers said there could be some movement in the next few days.