Matt O'Riley ready for Celtic action right away as new man doesn't fear heat of Tynecastle battle

Matt O'Riley insists he’s ready to fire straight into hostilities at Tynecastle.

The Celtic new boy is primed for a debut in tonight’s Premiership showdown against Hearts.

O’Riley’s move to Parkhead from MK Dons was concluded less than a week ago.

However, with Tom Rogic on international duty and Callum McGregor, David Turnbull and Yosuke Ideguchi crocked, the 21-year-old midfielder may be thrust into the Gorgie cauldron by Ange Postecoglou.

O’Riley is fully prepared with a last outing of 30 for the Dons this term coming just 11 days ago against Portsmouth in England’s cut-throat League One.

He said: “First day in, I really felt at home, so from that sense, it’s really good and I feel good. Let’s see what happens.

“I feel ready to go, which is the main thing. I have played enough games to feel in good physical shape and, hopefully, I get the chance.

“Portsmouth away was a tough game as well, so I feel physically sharp.

“Playing 30 games is quite a lot, so my body is ready for the amount coming up because we have a lot in the next period and we are going to need everybody to be at it.”

Celtic away trips to Hearts can produce frenetic encounters and O’Riley continued: “I have been told that already.

“I’ve been told to be ready for a hostile atmosphere as well, but that’s what I’m here for – to experience something new and, hopefully, I can really make the most of it.

“It’s important to be adaptable to any kind of game you play and, while on the whole I wouldn’t say I’m hectic in the way I play, I am going to have to adapt to it.

“We can try to stamp our style in the game to try to make it less hectic and manic but I have to be ready for whatever comes my way.”

O’Riley reckons he will be comfortable in whatever role