Hoops transfer news: 'Eyebrows were raised' when Celtic signed Matt O'Riley in January

Michael Bridge reckons that Matt O’Riley’s arrival at Celtic in January “raised a few eyebrows” due to Premier League interest in the midfielder.

The former Fulham youngster became Ange Postecoglou’s fifth signing of the window when he made the £1.5m switch from League One side Milton Keynes Dons.

Following his impressive form for MK Dons in the first half of the season, the midfielder wasn’t short of interest.

O’Riley scored seven goals and chipped in with five assists to help the Dons move into contention for promotion.

Therefore, the 21-year-old, who started his career at Fulham, caught the eye of several Championship sides, including promotion-chasing Bournemouth, Blackburn, and Middlesbrough.

But O’Riley opted to move north of the border and propel himself into the thick of an Old Firm title race after a positive conversation with Ange Postecoglou, which could see him playing Champions League football next season, with the winners of the Scottish Premiership going straight into the group stages.

Bridge, though, revealed that it wasn’t only second-tier clubs that were in the running to sign the highly-rated midfielder.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “Matt O’Riley, a few eyebrows were raised there because some Premier League and Championship clubs were looking at him, and all of a sudden, Celtic won the race.”

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It’s really no surprise given his impressive first half of the season, but O’Riley has made a bright start to his career in Glasgow.

In his six Scottish Premiership appearances, the young midfielder has been directly involved in four goals, which have helped Celtic claim maximum points in each of those and move three