Celtic boss admits uncertainty over future of Leeds United and Southampton-linked midfielder

The future of midfielder Matt O’Riley, who has been linked to Leeds United, has been addressed by Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers.

During the summer, O’Riley was linked to both Leeds and Southampton, with the former rumored to have submitted a £10 million bid.

He was still a Celtic player when the window closed, though.

According to the Daily Record, when asked if he would like to make O’Riley a long-term cornerstone of his Celtic team, Rodgers responded, “I would love to, but we haven’t we been here before? This is the charm of my return.

“The experience lets me know when players reach a particular stage. He is currently in his third year. I told him throughout the offseason that I could help him become a better player. But at Celtic, it’s only natural that you’ll get better and grow, and eventually, you know…

Of course, I’m not desiring him to leave. However, he is 22 years old.

O’Riley’s participation in every game this season has shown his significance to Celtic.

He joined the Scottish giants’ roster last year after relocating from Milton Keynes Dons north of the line.

Of course we want to keep him here; we would love to keep him here, according to Rodgers, and I think he still has a lot of growing up to do here. But he is making some excellent progress. He has a great mentality toward the game and is ambitious, but he is also ambitious for Celtic.

He is spending time on his growth. He had the option to go. With all due respect, he could have left and made a lot more money. But it is not all he has to offer.