Celtic pundit Frank McAvennie has spoken out on the club’s attempts to sign Riley McGree during the January window, as per Football Insider.
The Lowdown: McGree and O’Riley
The Hoops brought in five players during the winter window, the last of which was Matt O’Riley from MK Dons.
The midfielder has been a regular under Ange Postecoglou following his arrival, but it seemed as if he may not have been at the top of the club’s midfield shortlist.
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Prior to signing O’Riley, the Hoops were reportedly after McGree and even agreed on a fee for the 5 foot 10 midfielder, who Tim Cahill described as having ‘amazing feet’.
However, the 23-year-old ended up snubbing a move to Glasgow and instead joined Middlesbrough, with McAvennie now talking about the off-field rumours.
The Latest: McAvennie’s comments
As reported by Football Insider, McAvennie believes that O’Riley wasn’t Celtic’s first-choice target and was informed that a move for McGree did indeed fall through, revealing:
“I don’t think O’Riley was the first choice. They were after a guy called Riley McGree but they couldn’t get it done.
“It fell through, that’s what someone told me. Anyway, the point is I bet they are glad they couldn’t get that other deal done.
“I mean, what a move from Celtic. What a player he looks to be. He’s been outstanding so far and he’s a player who arrived without much fanfare.
“He came from MK Dons and he wasn’t one of the Japanese lads who everyone was getting really excited about.
“He deserved that goal last week and I suspect he will only get better the more he plays.”
The Verdict: Not an issue
As McAvennie mentioned, O’Riley has been outstanding so far in green and white. He has already contributed to four Premiership goals in 380 minutes of action and is the club’s joint best performer in the league alongside David Turnbull. [WhoScored]
O’Riley also cost £1.5m, whereas McGree would have set the Hoops back £2.5m. The latter has only played 24 minutes of action for Middlesbrough in the English Championship since signing, so it actually seems as if McGree snubbing Celtic has been a blessing in disguise.
In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘Incredible’ – Celtic pundit can’t believe what he’s heard from Parkhead; Ange ‘furious’