The former Hoops striker has questioned whether the January transfer interest has played on O'Riley's mind
Andy Walker has identified the ONE player that Celtic have 'missed big time' as he hinted towards what may have caused a form dip from Matt O'Riley.
Celtic have suffered injuries to key men across the campaign with Cameron Carter-Vickers presence at the back felt when absent. Skipper Callum McGregor has missed the last couple of games and will not be available to Steve Clarke and Scotland for the friendly double-header with the Netherlands and Northern Ireland. But it is Reo Hatate's extended spells on the sidelines that Walker feels has hit his former side hard.
"There has been a good few amount of games they have dropped points and the football hasn't been its sparkling best that they are used to seeing under Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers first time around. Celtic need the bigger and better players back for the challenges at the business end of the season."
"As Andy mentioned I think it has been the signings that has been the issue. In terms of Hatate, any team would miss a guy of that quality but the last two games - I know you'll miss a player of Hatate's quality - but Callum McGregor. You take him out the Celtic team and they aren't the same. They will be desperate to get Hatate back but he must be even more desperate to get McGregor back. He's the real driving force of that midfield area.
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