Sport Nation 2Former Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley is close to making a comeback for Brighton & Hove Albion following an ankle injury that cut his debut short. O’Riley, who made a high-profile move to the English Premier League club from Celtic in a £25 million transfer, had his first appearance abruptly ended after just eight minutes in a Carabao Cup match against Crawley Town in August 2024. A tough tackle from Crawley’s Jay Williams left O’Riley sidelined with an ankle injury that was expected to keep him out for up to three months.
Now, there is positive news for the Seagulls, as O’Riley has been seen taking part in ball drills in a recent training video shared on Brighton’s social media channels. His return would be a significant boost for the team as they look to strengthen their midfield options.
O’Riley’s Move to Brighton and Injury Setback
O’Riley’s transfer to Brighton came after a successful spell at Celtic, where he was a key player in the club’s recent domestic successes. His move to the Premier League was seen as the next big step in his career, but it got off to a difficult start due to the injury. His return to training signals a quicker recovery than initially anticipated, which will be welcome news for Brighton fans and the club’s management.
The injury had put a damper on what was supposed to be an exciting chapter for the Denmark international, who had impressed during his time at Celtic. Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi has been eager to get O’Riley back into the squad, and his return could add depth to Brighton’s midfield as they push for a strong finish in the league.
Joe Miller Praises Nicolas Kuhn’s Impact at Celtic
In other Celtic-related news, Joe Miller, a former player who made a name for himself at Parkhead between 1987 and 1993, has shared his thoughts on Nicolas Kuhn’s impressive start to the season. The 24-year-old German winger joined Celtic in January 2024 from Austrian side Rapid Vienna for a £3 million transfer fee. Though his early months at the club were marked by inconsistency, Kuhn has been a standout performer in the 2024/25 season.
Miller, speaking to PLZ Soccer, praised Kuhn for his performances, noting that the winger has started the campaign “like a house on fire,” contributing six goals and eight assists in his first 11 matches across all competitions. The former Bayern Munich prospect seems to have settled in well under Brendan Rodgers’ management and is now living up to the expectations set when he first arrived.
Kuhn’s Development and Role at Celtic
Kuhn struggled to make an immediate impact upon his arrival at Celtic Park, as he only showed flashes of his potential during the latter half of the 2023/24 season. However, after a full pre-season under his belt, Kuhn has become an integral part of Rodgers’ squad, playing a crucial role in Celtic’s early success this season.
Miller believes that Kuhn has the potential to raise his game even further. “He is starting to go at players, take people on, and create chances,” said Miller. “He’s nipping in with a few goals himself, so he can only get better and better.” The winger has quickly become a fan favorite and one of the Hoops’ most reliable attacking threats.
At just 24 years old, Kuhn has plenty of time to continue developing, and Miller is confident that the player will only improve as he becomes more accustomed to the demands of playing at a club like Celtic, where pressure and expectations are always high. His combination of pace, dribbling ability, and eye for goal makes him one of the most exciting players to watch in the Scottish Premiership.
Gary Hooper Signs for Kettering Town
Further down the football pyramid, another former Celtic player, Gary Hooper, has signed for Kettering Town in the Southern Premier Division Central, a far cry from his days of playing in the Scottish Premiership and the English Championship. The 36-year-old striker, who once scored 82 goals in 138 games for Celtic, has joined the non-league side as he looks to extend his playing career.
Hooper’s career has taken him around the world in recent years, with stints at Wellington Phoenix in Australia, Kerala Blasters in India, and Gulf United in the Middle East. Most recently, he played for National League side Barnet, but his move to Kettering Town marks a return to English football after several years abroad.
Despite now playing in the lower tiers of English football, Hooper’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. With 255 goals in 640 club appearances, he remains a prolific goal scorer and a fan favorite at many of his former clubs, particularly Celtic. During his time at Parkhead, Hooper was a crucial part of the team under Neil Lennon and helped the club win two Scottish Premiership titles and reach the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League.
Hooper’s Experience and Goalscoring Prowess
Hooper’s move to Kettering Town might seem like a step down, but for the club, it’s a significant coup. The experienced striker brings a wealth of knowledge and goal-scoring ability that could be vital in their bid to return to the National League North, having suffered relegation at the end of the 2022/23 season.
Hooper has always been a player capable of finding the back of the net, and despite his age, he will be expected to lead the line for Kettering and help the team achieve their goals. His experience playing at the highest levels of football in Scotland, England, and beyond will undoubtedly be an asset for the non-league club.
Conclusion: Celtic Players Making Waves Across Football
The news surrounding these former Celtic players highlights the continued influence that Parkhead alumni have across the world of football. Matt O’Riley’s return to fitness is eagerly anticipated by Brighton fans, who hope to see the midfielder live up to his potential in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Nicolas Kuhn’s impressive performances for Celtic have cemented his place as one of the club’s top players this season, with many expecting even more from him as the campaign progresses.
As for Gary Hooper, his journey through football continues at Kettering Town, where he will look to bring his wealth of experience to the lower leagues. While his career has taken him far from the heights of Celtic, his time at Parkhead remains one of the defining periods of his career.
Celtic’s influence on players, whether in the early stages of their careers like Kuhn or in the twilight years like Hooper, remains strong. The club’s culture of developing talent and providing a platform for players to excel is evident in the continued success and impact of its former stars across the footballing world.
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