Matt O'Riley sees restless Celtic transfer narrative shut down by Brendan Rodgers as boss reveals 'strong position'

Brendan Rodgers has no fears Matt O’Riley ’s head will be turned by talk of big money bids from abroad.

The Hoops ace has a growing list of admirers with La Liga shock pace setters Girona entering the race to land the highly-rated playmaker. Rodgers insisted Celtic have yet to receive any concrete offers for the Denmark star – and the Parkhead club are not interested in selling in January either.

O’Riley has been attracting attention for the last 12 months with Inter Milan, Crystal Palace and Leeds United among the clubs in the frame. But Rodgers insisted the 23-year-old’s focus is fully on securing silverware at Celtic in the second half of the season. When asked if O’Riley could be unsettled by the transfer talk, the Hoops boss said: “No. I think we saw that in the summer when there was clearly interest and he could have left.

“But we didn’t want to sell for one and, two, he was very happy here. So, yeah, he is a great guy to have around and a really good team-mate. I could see him grow as a leader as well, within the team.

“He is really enjoying his football. We don’t want to be losing anyone. The plan was to add to the squad and that’s still the plan.

“The club is in a strong position. We’ve no need to sell and no intention of selling. It’s all speculation and we all know the game, we know how it works.

“My only focus is on the players while they are here each day to try to make them better. In terms of form, quality, professionalism, age, everything , Matt has been top class in my time here. “

Rodgers admitted he’s not surprised to hear O’Riley’s name being thrown around the continent though. He said: “It’s great to see a young player develop – but he deserves it because he puts so much into his game.

“Off the