Peter Grant never doubted the outstanding ability of Matt O’Riley.
So highly did he rate him, the midfielder was in his Under-18 squad at the age of just 15 during his spell as Fulham ’s lead
professional development coach.
O’Riley also played in the Fulham first team by 16 and made the England Under-18s.
But Grant still feared that the teenager might be denied the chance to make it to the top.
Not through any lack of ability, but due to back problems which denied him vital playing and training time as he worked his way through the Craven Cottage youth system.
O’Riley had the tools, but just wasn’t able to get them out of the bag every single day and Grant wondered if it would cost him a shot at the big time.
He explained: “When he was at Fulham, he was a young man who was growing very quickly. He had a lot of back problems.
“There was a bit of training missed as he was growing up.
“One thing he always had was a lovely left foot – when he was on the ball, he was terrific.
“But he always felt he couldn’t get to the levels he wanted if he couldn’t get that run of games or training sessions and it was
difficult for him because of those back problems.
“People say kids play too much, but Matt was maybe the opposite. You felt he wasn’t getting enough games.
“As I said, Matt had a talented left foot and there was absolutely no problem when he was on the ball.
“But, off the ball, I felt it might be a problem.
“Even as a youngster, you question them. People run off them, or past them. That’s why you need to look at the bigger picture and understand if there are reasons.
“Matt’s reason is the missed training sessions, albeit through no fault of his own.
“Even as a youngster, you need to be building your game, playing consistently.
“I felt he was missing too many sessions for his own good, but it wasn’t the kid’s fault.
“That’s the biggest thing I see when I look at his games now and the way he is playing.
“You know the talent he has and now, with the run of games, you know the issues have gone.
“We had question marks if we’d be able to go up the levels with the back issues. You just didn’t know, but we knew he could play.
“We’d a very good footballing side. We had the Sessegnons and all of those guys, but we put him straight in there.”
It was Slavisa Jokanovic who dished out that first top-team appearance against Wycombe in the Carabao Cup.
But, with opportunities drying up during the reigns of Claudio Ranieri and Scott Parker, he needed to make a choice in 2020.
Another Fulham contract was on the table, but O’Riley opted against signing it in the hunt for prolonged first-team action.
He trained alone in a public park before Russell Martin offered him a deal at MK Dons and, from there, he has taken flight.
A regular in the side, made captain by player-caretaker boss Dean Lewington when Martin left for Swansea and staying key in the plans under new gaffer Liam Manning.
O’Riley added strengths in Buckinghamshire. Advanced in the engine room for Martin, slightly more withdrawn under Manning.
Grant has seen the full package of fitness and finesse come together and continued: “He’s had two managers [Martin and Manning] who play a certain style.
“Some people tend to forget. They look at someone and think he’s a good player, but you have to ask if he can play a certain style.
“Matt’s had two coaches who have teams that want to play. That’s the biggest thing for him, he can handle the ball well. His left foot is lovely.
“The systems suited him because he can see pictures when he’s on the ball and has goals this season with great composure.
“It was always about reaching the levels against the ball.
“But it’s interesting. I watched a couple of his goals recently and there was one where he nicked the ball.
“We used to say to him that he had to get close to the opposition, even as a young man.
“He stole a ball off an opponent. It was intercepted and he put it into the net.
“That was so pleasing to see given he wasn’t fit enough to do that in the past and people were always going to question him for it.
“He’s got the run of games now and you need to have all assets in the modern game.”
Having made 54 appearances in the last year at MK Dons, his developed body is now able to handle the rigours, meaning the skills shine and attracted the likes of Celtic.
Ange Postecoglou has made a move and Grant is thrilled his former young charge is heading for his old club at the age of 21.
He said: “That’s the interesting thing for me talking about Celtic – the high tempo of their play and, obviously, they have watched him.
“If it works out, that is great and I’ll be happy for him and the club. You knew the talent was always there and now he’s getting the consistent games to show his talent.
“He is obviously getting the rewards with teams such as Celtic wanting him. I am delighted that Matt has done so well.”
