Celtic fans are sensing a potential return to the club for Matt O'Riley after Brighton's disastrous defeat to Nottingham Forest.

The Danish international was brought on at half-time by boss Fabian Hurzeler as Forest ran riot against the Seagulls in a 7-0 win - with some calling for the German to be sacked in the wake of the humbling Premier League defeat. O'Riley's was given a pass by many of the punters for his role in the mauling by the Brighton support having been thrown on with the team already trailing by three goals - and the Celtic fans reckon some more transfer magic could be on the cards.

Jota has already made his move back to Glasgow's east end after his 18 month odyssey in the Saudi Pro League and Ligue 1 - while Kieran Tierney will return to Celtic Park in the summer after penning a pre-contract agreement with the Hoops. A supporter said on X: "Matt O'Riley struggling to get game time at Brighton, comes on as a half time substitute to participate in a 5-0 battering by Forest. Might be able to get him back in the summer for £8/9m?"

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Another added: "At this rate I can see Matt O’Riley paying for his own transfer back to Celtic. What a disaster that is for him." One rounded off: "What a shame for Matt O'Riley. Get him back in the summer with Tierney."

If another blockbuster return was to get lift off - Brendan Rodgers would play a key role i.n any movement. And last week, O'Riley talked up his relationship with the Parkhead boss.

He said: “I learned so much off Brendan, I try to be as open as I can be to improving. A lot of the meditation I do helps with being as intentional and open-minded as you can.

"If I close myself to any new ideas then I’m not really going to improve to a level that is potentially there in the future. I try to be as open as I can to new information. Right now, I’m still adapting to a new team and playing in a new league. It’s a great challenge but if I’m not open it won’t work.”