Matt O’Riley recently gave insight into his time at Celtic and the unique pressures of playing for the club during an appearance on Brighton’s official podcast. Having joined Celtic from MK Dons for a modest £1.5m in 2021, O’Riley quickly made his mark in Scottish football before moving to the Premier League. His move to Brighton, which came after an injury-plagued start to his English top-flight career, culminated in a key moment when he scored the winner against Manchester City, signaling his return to form.
During the podcast, hosted by broadcaster Paul Hayward and Brighton legend Glenn Murray, O’Riley was asked about his experience at Celtic and whether the Premier League felt like a step up. Rather than focusing solely on the differences between the two leagues, O’Riley emphasized the immense pressure of playing for Celtic, stating that for many, it’s hard to even imagine the level of expectation at Parkhead.
“The pressures of playing at Celtic are unimaginable for most people,” O’Riley said. “It’s not easy to win every game, regardless of who you’re playing. The demand to perform at a high level week in, week out is immense, and if you don’t deliver, the fans will make their feelings known. But that’s because they care so much about the team.”
O’Riley admitted he enjoyed the challenge and responsibility that came with playing under such pressure. He described how playing at Celtic pushed him to constantly test his limits and improve his game. He added, “It’s all about doing it again and again, and being better each time. The fans care deeply, and while they can be critical, it’s only because they want the team to succeed.”
When asked the million-dollar question—whether he misses Celtic—O’Riley admitted he did, albeit in a bittersweet way. “Yeah, a little bit,” he said, reflecting on the people he met during his time in Glasgow. “The people up there are really friendly, and that’s something I miss. I grew up in London, so I know what it’s like down south, but the warmth and friendliness of people in the north of England and Scotland really stood out to me.”
O’Riley’s time at Celtic was marked by success, including winning trophies and playing in European competitions. As he settles into life at Brighton, he carries with him the lessons and experience of playing for one of the most demanding clubs in world football.