The nature of how the Scottish Premiership works can be very tiresome and laborious for spectators.
Playing the same teams at least three times per season, sometimes more than that depending on the makeup of the post-split and cup competitions. The structure of our game is certainly something that could do with a refresh.
Matt O’Riley actually enjoys the uniqueness of facing similar competition on such a regular basis, though.
Today’s derby clash between Celtic and Rangers at Hampden will be the third time the teams have met in just over two months. They will meet for their sixth and final encounter of the campaign in mid-May.
O’Riley is all for it though, insisting each derby has different challenges. He said: “We lost last year which obviously wasn’t great but this is a new year and we are a completely different team so we will see.
“I was not here when opposition fans were allowed in at Celtic Park and Ibrox but from what I have heard it was impressive so yeah, I am looking forward to there being an equal split on Sunday.
“I like playing Rangers especially up here, so I think getting to play them more than two times a season is pretty cool.
“It is a game that brings so much to the players and the fans in terms of the whole atmosphere it creates so that is a big positive.
“Playing the same team two or three teams in the space of six weeks must be unique. You get to know them pretty well and the way they play pretty well. Of course, the same will apply for them.
“One of the most enjoyable things about the derbies is the way each one throws up different challenges so I don’t think it matters too much.”
Asked about the changes Rangers have made to their midfield, with both Todd Cantwell and Nicolas Raskin now regular starters under Michael Beale, O’Riley remained coy.
“Everyone at both our clubs is going to be a good player,” he admitted. “I am not going to sit here and say they are not good players but at the same time, I think we have the quality we need to put in a good performance and win the game.
“Although I have not seen them as much as their fans will have, I am sure Raskin and Cantwell will both be good players.”
The attacking midfielder has been an impressive figure at Celtic Park since his arrival from MK Dons around 16 months ago.
He instantly shone with outstanding performances against Rangers and Hearts.
He keeps in touch with plenty of his old teammates at the League One club. And he has encouraged any of them who feel like they’re stuck inside their comfort zone to take that leap of faith when it comes to transfer opportunities.
Also responding to praise from former manager Russell Martin, O’Riley said: "I came from MK Dons, a club which has fans but not near the level of support we get here so the first game was definitely a shock to the system in terms of how loud it all was.
“But it was very cool experience and one I have definitely got used to now.
“The move was probably most about what was right for me at that particular moment but certain decisions take you to certain places and I have ended up in a really good place.
“I get to play in front of some of the loudest fans in the world now which is definitely cool. It is working out well.
“I do my best to keep in regular touch with the ones who are good friends of mine. A couple of guys from MK, but not so many at Fulham now.
“Like I said, it was a big change for me both in terms of the playing levels and the surroundings. The atmosphere at Celtic is not something any of them would be used to simply because I wasn’t used to it either.
“So yeah, they follow the games and I am sure they think if Matt can do well and progress in the game to get to a good place then maybe we can do the same.”
O’Riley qualifies as a Denmark international. While he has yet to make his full debut for the country, their assistant boss Morten Wieghorst insists ending this season as a champion gives the 22-year-old every chance of becoming a regular in the A-team squad.
The Hoops player said: “My level was good earlier in the season too but at the same time winning trophies, and hopefully I do, signifies you being a winner.
“From there the hope would be that would be a quality the international dressing room might like to add to their team. If the call comes, I definitely will not be saying no.
“I have been lucky enough to train with them a couple of times and Morten Wieghorst, and the manager too has only ever been nice to me when we have spoken.
“The Denmark midfield is one of their strong assets which is a good thing in terms of healthy competition but it would not be easy to break into.”
