Matt O'Riley Brighton injury return timeline revealed after Celtic hero's nightmare debut

Matt O'Riley could be in line for a speedy recovery from injury after he was crocked on his Brighton debut.

The former Celtic midfielder joined the Seagulls in a record-breaking move worth close to £30million for the Scottish champions but his first outing ended early following a brutal tackle. Crawley's Jay Williams smashed through the Danish playmaker and there were fears he'd be out for some time after hobbling off the Amex pitch.

Now, though, manager Fabian Hurzeler has confirmed that surgery went well for his new star and he's hopeful of a "fast" recovery from O'Riley who remains positive.

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"He's in very good spirits," the boss explained. "He has a great character, a great attitude, so immediately after the surgery he was very, very positive.

"He is around us in the training ground, he is doing his rehab already. I think he will be coming back quite fast."

Hurzeler was livid after the challenge on O'Riley's debut as he hit out at what was a high-studded collision.