Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley is “no longer guaranteed to start” due to the excellent form shown by Aaron Mooy in recent months, according to Charlie Nicholas.

The former Sky Sports pundit says there is fierce competition for a place alongside Callum McGregor in the Hoops’ midfield:

“Mooy has looked a completely different player since coming back from Qatar. He is completely transformed. He’s been the best player in the country since the restart and has scored five times in the last seven games.”

“He is now a vital cog in Celtic’s attacking play, a major goal threat and has forged a great partnership with captain Callum McGregor. That is testament to Mooy himself and Postecoglou for putting his trust in him. There is now real competition in the engine room, with Reo Hatate also in there.”

“Matt O’Riley is a top player and until recently he was one of the first names on the teamsheet. But even he is no longer guaranteed to start in this Celtic side.”

It was reported back in October that the likes of Leicester, Crystal Palace and Newcastle were scouting O’Riley, while Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in the Danish Under 21 international.

However, Mooy’s emergence has meant that the midfielder only started two of Celtic’s six matches in January, and it will be interesting to see how he is used by manager Ange Postecoglou going forward.

As Nicholas says, though, O’Riley is still an excellent player (having contributed eight assists in 23 league appearances this season) but he does have a battle on his hands to remain a regular starter in the coming weeks and months.