Brilliant: Matt O’Riley Spotted in Celtic Gear with Hoops Quartet

Former Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley delighted fans by sharing a heartwarming photo on social media, showing him catching up with some familiar faces from his time at the club. Captioned “Football friends,” the image featured O’Riley alongside current Celtic captain Callum McGregor, James Forrest, Stephen Welsh, and Luke McCowan. The best part is Matt is wearing his Celtic gear!

The snapshot appears to have been taken during the ongoing international break, a welcome chance for these players to unwind. McGregor, who retired from Scotland duty earlier this year, and the others—none of whom are currently involved in international squads—seem to be enjoying a well-deserved respite.

Luke McCowan’s inclusion in the group adds an interesting twist. The winger joined Celtic in the summer after O’Riley’s high-profile departure to Brighton. While they didn’t overlap as teaMMAtes, they certainly crossed paths in Scottish Football, with McCowan impressing at Dundee during O’Riley’s time in Glasgow.

A Record Move to Brighton

O’Riley left Celtic in a club-record transfer during the summer window, with Brighton paying a hefty fee to secure the talented midfielder’s services. However, his debut for the Seagulls was marred by an unfortunate injury that required surgery and a spell of rehab.

O’Riley bounced back in sensational fashion just before the international break, making his Premier League debut in dramatic style. Coming off the bench against Manchester City, he scored the match-winning goal, showcasing the flair and composure that made him such a standout at Celtic Park.

Celts Taking Time Off

For McGregor, Forrest, and Welsh, the international break offers a rare moment to step back from the relentless demands of the season. McGregor, as ever, has been an ever-present figure in Celtic’s midfield, while Forrest and Welsh have been squad players under Brendan Rodgers.

The sight of the quintet spending time together highlights the close bonds formed during O’Riley’s time at Celtic.