The Matt O'Riley Celtic transfer trump card Kasper Schmeichel hopes will prove decisive in game of keeps

Kasper Schmeichel has started the job of trying to convince Denmark team mate Matt O’Riley to stay put for another season at Celtic.

The veteran keeper revealed yesterday he is already attempting to talk O’Riley into turning down a potential big money move as clubs from around Europe circle the 23-year-old. Serie A outfit Atalanta are understood to have three bids turned down in recent weeks while Roma, Juventus, Southampton and Atletico Madrid are all believed to be monitoring the situation closely.

But, having arrived in Glasgow as Joe Hart’s successor on a one year deal, Schmeichel is desperate for his countryman to hang around. He said: “I’m trying everything, trust me! I’m trying everything to make him stay. But he’s not given anything away yet so you’d need to ask him. But from what I know of Matt he’s a very level-headed guy with great parents behind him helping him with whatever decisions.

“What I do know is that he does love playing here and he has loved his time here. And whether it’s now – or hopefully later – then no matter what, Celtic means a great deal to him. For me, I hope he stays. And I’m doing everything I can to convince him.”

O’Riley has been in sparkling pre-season form ahead of Sunday’s flag day showdown with Kilmarnock at Parkhead. Schmeichel admits that even he’s been caught by surprise by the levels his compatriot was hitting on the champions summer tour of the States. And he’s hoping the lure of a crack at the Champions League might be enough to make O’Riley stay put.

He said: “There aren’t many better arenas to show what you can do than the Champions League. And he’s already done that. I just hope he’s there again in a Celtic top for me to experience as well.

“He’s a top quality player. It’s