Jamie Redknapp reveals Celtic scouting mission and the star he 'loved' after being blown away by cultured ace

Jamie Redknapp has revealed his Celtic scouting missions - as he piles the praise on a star who recently left the Hoops as someone he followed closely.

Matt O’Riley left Parkhead in the summer after a hugely successful two-and-a-half-years in Glasgow. His sale to Premier League side Brighton is claimed to be the most expensive transfer in the history of Scottish football with a deal in the region of £30m secured.

His time at the Seagulls started in terrible fashion, suffering a long-term ankle issue on his debut in the Carabao Cup against Crawley Town. It’s bigger the fall, the bigger the rise in this instance as he rose from the bench on his maiden Premier League match for Brighton to score a memorable winner against Man City.

After the 2-1 success, pundit Redknapp was part of the team interviewing O’Riley, and he revealed his Celtic scouting missions where he first picked up on his talent. He said on Sky Sports: “I’m a big fan, I followed your Celtic career very closely and I have always loved the way you play, so cultured on the ball.”

O’Riley said of his debut goal: “I just tried to make the run into the little half space. The manager kept talking about the 8s making those runs and getting diagonals out to the wide man.

“Sometimes, if you do that enough you end up getting on the end of it yourself. I was just lucky to be there to be honest. I can't really ask for a better Premier League debut especially after the start I had against Crawley. "