Paul Lambert has Celtic transfer hunch about Matt O'Riley as he claims MAN CITY would be perfect fit

Celtic legend Paul Lambert reckons Matt O’Riley will start at Parkhead this season - but believes he has the talent to play for MANCHESTER CITY.

O’Riley has become a huge player for the Hoops since his bargain £1.5 million signing from MK Dons under Ange Postecolgou two years ago. Celtic have since had to fend off interest from the likes of Bologna and Leeds United last summer, while Inter Milan are considering a move this month.

Former Parkhead midfielder Lambert, speaking to Ladbrokes Fanzone, says the 23-year-old could play for Pep Guardioala’s superstar side who won the Treble last season of the English Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup. He said: “I'm not saying he'd walk right into Manchester City's team, because to break into that team, you've got to be one hell of a player, and he's not at that level yet.

“But, football wise, he plays that kind of game, one touch, two touch... a passing team, like Man City, is where I think he'd suit, were he to leave Celtic. He can definitely play their way. But if we're talking about talent, in particular on the ball, he's really, really good. He's got great vision, matched with his ability to pick a pass. So, no, I don't expect him to be leaving the club yet, despite interest from the Premier League and the rest of Europe. He's only a young kid, whose talent is huge. As he keeps developing physically with age, he'll get even stronger, and even better. The way he plays the game, he's a total footballer, the lad.

“I don't expect Matt O'Riley to leave this season. On the ball, he's very good. He can play off the back foot, and he can play two-touch stuff really well. I think, defensively, he's still got a lot to learn. We've seen in Champions League games, where