Matt O’Riley Highlights Team’s Unity In Penalty Shootout Win

Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley has spoken post-match about the part the squad’s close relationship played in the Hoops’ 6-5 penalty win over Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup semi-final.

With Celtic scoring six out of seven penalties, it was clear that the squad has immense trust and belief in each other, with Hoops goalkeeper Joe Hart even taking the fifth penalty.

O’Riley said: [BBC One Scotland], “We were just trying to encourage each other to stay positive and just trust in each other. I think we did that and then trust each other.

“We’re a really tight group, and I think that shows in the way we play, usually, and also off the pitch, like behind the scenes, we’re really, really tight, so I think that makes the difference in those moments.”

Moments like this afternoon are the biggest test of how a squad comes together under the greatest pressure, a penalty shootout with millions watching around the world and tens of thousands in attendance at the Game.

Celtic’s players had to show that they are united and believe in every player’s ability to beat Kelle Roos from the penalty spot.