Barry Ferguson admits he was shocked when he heard the "phenomenal" transfer fee that Celtic had recouped for Matt O'Riley.

The London-born Denmark international midfielder cost Celtic a mere £1.5million from MK Dons two-and-a-half-years ago, and now they could secure a windfall in excess of £30m after he penned a five-year contract with Brighton on Monday. 

O'Riley even started Brighton's Carabao Cup tie against lower-league Crawley Town the following day, but his debut was short lived as he was forced off within minutes because of an ankle injury. 

Crawley boss Scott Lindsey apologised for the incident and said: “Maybe we were a bit aggressive, maybe the referee missed it (the challenge from Jay Williams) and I would like to apologise.

“I wouldn’t want anyone to be hurt. We are both passionate about the game and we wish Brighton all the best in the next round.”

Despite that, former Rangers captain Ferguson thinks the move will suit both parties in the long-term - even though he never believed the 23-year-old would land his old city rivals so much cash, having arrived under Ange Postecoglou before taking his game to another level through Brendan Rodgers' guidance.  

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“I remember his debut at Tynecastle,” Ferguson told Go Radio. “You could see there was a player there, but he looked a bit leggy. He grew into a fantastic midfielder.

“I will be honest, I am surprised he went for this money. I thought maybe you would talk between £15-20m. 

“But they have got a deal for £25m after bringing him in for £1.5m, it’s a fair bit of business.

"It shows you there are players out there. It’s a phenomenal fee. If he was down in England and playing, then it would be double that or in the Championship.

"He will suit Brighton as well. They had a brilliant performance against Manchester United at the weekend, it will be a good move for him.”

(Image: PA)