Celtic man nominated for prestigious PFA accolade, he deserves to win it

Celtic fans will be enjoying a cheerful start to the week after their side saw off Dundee at Dens Park yesterday afternoon.

James Forrest’s inspired performance on Tayside spurred Brendan Rodgers’ men onto three points with two goals despite a late fightback from Tony Docherty’s men courtesy of a deflected Antonio Portales strike.

Now, Celtic fans have some extra positive news to celebrate today: Matt O’Riley has been nominated for the PFA Scotland Scottish Premiership Player of the Year award alongside James Tavernier, Jack Butland, and Heart of Midlothian striker Lawrence Shankland.

It is worth remembering that the award is voted for by the players themselves, and Celtic representation will also be present at the Women’s Player of the Year awards after Amy Gallacher was nominated for the prize with Kirsty MacLean, Rachel Rowe, and Jorian Baucom [Sky Sports].

O’Riley has enjoyed a fantastic campaign for the Hoops and attracted interest from the likes of La Liga giants Atletico Madrid in January due to his sparkling form.

Matt O’Riley deserves to win PFA accolade due to Celtic exploits

Per Transfermarkt, Celtic playmaker O’Riley has put up some remarkable numbers this season, registering 14 goals and 16 assists in 43 appearances across all comPetitions.

The 23-year-old’s last-minute strike away to Motherwell last September, thunderbolt against St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park, and panenka penalty at Ibrox live long in the memory of supporters, and his continued progression under Brendan Rodgers has been a miraculous watch.

Chance creation tends to be the speciality of Denmark international, and he ranks first for Celtic in the Scottish Premiership across the metrics of chances created (79), Expected Assists (9.3), goals (13), and assists (11) in 2023/24 [Fotmob].

Despite his current focus being fully on achieving silverware with the Bhoys, O’Riley deserves individual recognition for his outstanding contribution across the campaign.

Come the summer, it is unclear what the future may hold for the London-born midfielder. However, we can cross that bridge when it comes, hopefully, safe in the knowledge that he has added a league and cup medal to his impressive haul at Parkhead.