Celtic midfielder Matt O'Riley's recent dip in form will not last because of his 'refreshing obsession' with football, according to his former boss Liam Manning.

The Denmark under-21 international has been a revelation at Parkhead since signing for the Hoops and has already recorded eight assists in all competitions this season.

A recent downturn in form coupled with Aaron Mooy's emergence has meant calls for rotation in the Parkhead starting XI but Manning, who worked with the 22-year-old at MK Dons, has detailed what attributes the ex-Fulham player has that can take him to the very top and get him out of a supposed current malaise.

Speaking to the Daily Record, he said: "One of Matt’s biggest attributes is his confidence, his self-belief. Matt is in love with the game which is so refreshing as 22.

“He is obsessed with it and will continue doing what he does. One hundred per cent he has the character to play his way through any little blip."

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The Englishman also detailed why the Dane's own high standards mean a good performance for other players can look like an average one for the 22-year-old.

He continued: "The challenge that he’s set himself by setting the bar so high he will get back up there no problem. Matt’s blips are seven out of 10.

“A lot of players go their whole careers where 80 per cent of their games are seven out of 10s.

"But with Matt he has had so many eights and nines that it stands out if he drops to a seven. 

"The team is still doing really well which is ultimately the most important thing.”

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