Matt O'Riley has Brighton absence explained as Celtic fans all say the same thing

The midfielder has found life in the Premier League tough and has struggled to work his way into Fabian Hurzeler's plans

Midfielder Matt O'Riley has had the reason behind his absence for Brighton's clash with Newcastle United explained.

The 24-year-old has endured a tough first season in the Premier League following his £25million Celtic exit - with the move instantly being derailed after he had to undergo ankle surgery in September after a horror tackle from Crawley's Jay Williams. He marked his comeback to the team in November with the winner against Manchester City - but has yet to stake a claim for a regular spot in the Brighton starting line-up.

He missed out on the FA Cup clash at St. James' Park -speaking before the game, the German boss did not state that O'Riley had picked up a knock - but hinted that the playmaker could be part of the shake up to his starting line-up for the game as he ramps up his fitness. He said: “We have some players who didn't play so much in the Premier League. The most important is that we get the most fresh team on the pitch, the most ready team on the pitch and therefore we have to make the right choice."

It is now understood that he missed the clash due to illness - but had been expected to start the clash. Celtic fans have been quick to call for a return to Glasgow's east end - with Jota's January comeback already set to be followed by Kieran Tierney's homecoming in the summer. One Hoops' diehard said on X: "O’Riley not even on the bench? Up the road son."