Matt O'Riley Atletico Madrid success shot rated as Celtic summer transfer expected by Ally McCoist

Ally McCoist believes Matt O'Riley could easily cut it at Atletico Madrid after the Celtic star was the target of a bid in the January transfer window.

The Hoops midfielder, 23, has been the standout at Parkhead this season with 14 goals and 16 assists in all competitions this season and that sort of form had the Spanish giants desperate to take the Danish international to the Metropolitano back in the winter window.

Celts knocked back their advances, though, and McCoist insists Brendan Rodgers was right to kybosh any potential swoop as the playmaker has become too valuable to their title hopes this term.

However, the Rangers icon is convinced O'Riley may well be on his way out the door for a big-money move in the summer and that he'd be able to cope wherever he chooses to play his football.

"He's having an absolutely terrific season. He is a very, very good player," McCoist told Tribal Football.

"There was talk of him leaving in January but Brendan Rodgers quite rightly said 'he's not going anywhere'. But I would be surprised if he's there at the start of next season. I genuinely think he is capable of going to a place like Atletico Madrid and playing there.

"He is one of these players that always look as if he has time on hand. He's very clever in that respect. Callum McGregor does it very well too, but Matt O'Riley has lovely composure."