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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Alan Galindo

Celtic star Matt O'Riley in 'take the leap' confession after Luka Modric and Toni Kroos Euro battles

Matt O'Riley has hinted to 'taking the leap' from Celtic at one point when quizzed on playing in 'attractive leagues' like the English Premier League and La Liga.

Ange Postecoglou swooped just over a year ago to snap up the Denmark Under-21 international from MK Dons and his quick impact has had big name clubs linked with his signature. It's been a whirlwind 12 months in which he has won the Scottish Premiership crown, experienced the Old Firm with Rangers and played Champions League football.

The latter allowed him to face European giants Real Madrid and come up two of the greatest in the world in his position in the shape of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. The duo have been top level operators for many years and won the big trophies on offer in club football while picked up vast experience on the international scene during their careers. O'Riley feels he acquitted himself well against the duo, despite defeat, and it has given him hope he could one day make that leap - although he appears in no rush to depart the Scottish champions.

READ MORE: The Celtic key trait that stands them apart from Rangers and everybody else claims Michael Stewart

Speaking to Danish outlet TV2, He said: "It's hard for me to just look back on it [the Champions League] and say it's crazy.

"We play matches all the time, so there is no time for that. But when I do it, I can see that it's crazy. I have always thought that if I work hard enough, I can achieve anything."

The line of questions then turned to reaching Europe's top table regularly and playing in 'more attractive' league such as the English Premier League, La Liga or Serie A. O'Riley added: "Now I have played against Luka Modric and Toni Kroos and I know we lost, but I still felt I played well. Maybe I can take the leap to playing regularly at that level."

He continued: "I played my first game after two or three days, and after a week I had played three games and faced Rangers. It went really fast, and when I first landed, I also thought: 'What the hell is going on?'

"I must say that I was surprised by how big the club actually is. I didn't know there would be so many fans who could recognise me from the start when I walked down the street."

READ MORE

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- Joe Hart's four word Celtic send off to Oliver Abildgaard after transfer switch to Hellas Verona

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- Ange Postecoglou fires back at Celtic budget snipers as boss makes 'biggest club in Scotland' claim

- Nicolas Raskin in Celtic derby admission as Rangers signing reveals Europa League final 'excitement '

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