Matt O’Riley is convinced Celtic can go to Norway and see off Bodo/Glimt despite a 3-1 first-leg defeat.
That’s the Hoops midfielder’s short- term goal. But in the future O’Riley has no plans to be playing in the third-tier Europa Conference League.
Instead, the 21-year-old wants to be plying his trade amongst the big boys in the Champions League.
And he’s adamant he can achieve that with Ange Postecoglou’s side.
O’Riley hasn’t got to where he is through lacking ambition. When he decided to leave Fulham as a kid off his own back it was because he believed his ability would eventually take him to an even bigger stage.
After just a month at Parkhead following a £1.5 million move from MK Dons, he’s already on the verge of a call-up for Denmark.
He doesn’t try to hide the fact he wants to be involved in their squad for the 2022 World Cup.
There’s nothing arrogant about O’Riley but he’s certainly not short of self-confidence.
He has been a terrific signing so far for Postecoglou but he’s not happy standing still.
That’s why, in Thursday’s second leg against Bodo/Glimt, he’s expecting a better performance – from himself and Celtic – as they look to turn a 3-1 deficit on its head.
O’Riley said: “Thursday night was only one game and there’s still only two goals of a difference.
“We’ve scored enough goals this season to know we can make that deficit up. We’re not worried. We’re obviously disappointed with the result but we can go there, put in a performance and win the game.
“We said in the changing room afterwards, we’re going to come back out and give it all we’ve got.
“We’ve got a game against Dundee on Sunday to look forward to. We need to win and I’m sure we’ll do that.
“Because there’s real belief in this team and I think the fans believe in us too.
“Playing in Europe doesn’t faze me. I felt comfortable the other night, we just lacked a bit of quality going forward – myself included.
“I felt I could have done a few things better but it can’t be perfect in every game. We’ll try to put it right next week.
“We weren’t surprised by Bodo/Glimt. We knew they were a good side because they went to Roma and put on a good performance there.
“But I don’t actually think they were better than us on Thursday night. That’s me being honest.
“We just lacked ruthlessness in the final third. It was a fairly even game and we were on top for most of it.
“We just switched off a little bit and didn’t take our chances.
“I felt like I was ready for this move. I know I’ve come from League One but I took a step back to come forward by going to MK Dons.
“I’ve always felt comfortable and still feel I can play at a high level, hopefully with Celtic in the Champions League – that’s the
aim.
"I could have done better on Thursday but I don’t think I was awful. There’s always stuff to improve on.”
Minor setbacks don’t bother O’Riley who is relaunching his career at Celtic after coming through the ranks at Craven Cottage.
He admits the Bodo/Glimt defeat was his toughest 90 minutes since arriving in Glasgow.
But he has overcome challenges before in his fledgling career and plans to do the same again.
O’Riley said: “Bodo are a good side, we know that – but we weren’t at our best.
“We had opportunities to do more than we did and our final ball just wasn’t right.
“I had a few where I could have done better and we just weren’t good enough in the final third.
“We conceded sloppy goals but we’ve got another game to put it right. I’ve had a lot of experience at a young age.
“I made my debut for Fulham in the Championship – I came on and then got taken off again which wasn’t the nicest experience!
“But these things make you stronger. I don’t think too much fazes me any more. I like challenges, that’s why I’m at Celtic.
“I try to show that on the pitch too, I try to be brave and show for the ball.
“I’m not scared to make mistakes – I made a few on Thursday – but I keep trying and that’s all you can do.
“I have to keep doing that to improve as a player.”
O’Riley’s immediate focus is on Dundee at Celtic Park this afternoon as they look to maintain their slender lead at the top of the table.
He knows the Dark Blues will be a different proposition altogether to the Norwegian champions.
Postecoglou’s men will have to play with an intensity to see off the Dens Park side – and O’Riley is enjoying the frantic pace Celtic operate at under their Aussie gaffer.
He said: “We know there are different challenges in each competition. Thursday was probably more open than the games we have been used to.
“On Sunday, Dundee might sit off a bit more so we will really have to try and break them down.
“We are prepared for all sorts of challenges.
“Of course, it’s hard to maintain the level of intensity for 90 minutes in every game.
“But we have the depth now in the squad to be able to do it, which is really positive.
“The training is different to what I have been used to, purely because we play in a different way.
“We are more about pressing, whereas at my previous club we would press at times, sit off at others.
“Here it is more non-stop. Based on stats I am running more here than I did at MK Dons.
“But I enjoy the style of football a lot so I don’t mind running.”
