Chris Sutton Thinks Current Celt Has the Tools to Replace Matt O’Riley

Former Celtic striker-turned-pundit Chris Sutton thinks Hoops midfielder Paulo Bernardo has all the tools to replace Matt O’Riley.

The Dane recently signed for English Premier League outfit Brighton for a record-breaking £30m fee, but his life on the south coast hasn’t begun well.

Not long into his Brighton debut, O’Riley sustained a gruesome ankle injury. He resultantly had to get surgery and while it was recently completed successfully, he will have to spend 8-12 weeks on the sidelines.

Although he was such a key contributor for Celtic last term, the 23-year-old’s absence in the past two Games has gone unnoticed.

Indeed, O’Riley has been replaced amply in the team by Bernardo.

The Portuguese under-21 captain was particularly impressive against Rangers on Sunday, where he was unfortunate not to win the Man of the Match award.

Chris Sutton was left enthused by Bernardo’s performance.

“He (Bernardo) was magnificent for his hour on the park”, said the pundit (RecordSport).

“The Portuguese really mixed his Game up. He did the hard yards and made the tackles as well as making the angles and passes.

“Bernardo said upon signing that he was after O’Riley’s shirt even if the Dane stayed and this was a polished performance which again suggests he’s got the tools.”

Still just 22 years of age, Bernardo has plenty of room for progression.

He showed several positive signs at the weekend and will only get better.

Celtic looks to have done another terrific piece of Business in signing the Benfica academy graduate for just £3.5m.

One wouldn’t bet against the midfielder generating a respectable profit for his team within the next few years.