Celtic derby hero Matt O’Riley has absolutely nothing to apologise for. The star midfielder was again in imperious form against Rangers on Saturday, netting his 16th goal of the season.
Yet, the humble Danish international is still happy enough to hold his hands up and offer an explanation for his penalty miss in the second half of the 2-1 victory.
Penalties haven’t been Celtic’s strong point this season. In some leagues, penalty conversion rates can go up well beyond 80% but the Bhoys have not been at that standard.
Brendan Rodgers’ side have been awarded 17 penalties in all competitions this term, missing six of them for a conversion rate of 64.7%. It’s been a frustration for fans and the manager too.
O’Riley successfully netted spot-kicks against Rangers and Hearts in recent weeks but on Saturday hit his effort far too tamely and closely to Jack Butland.
Matt O’Riley on his derby penalty miss
The Celtic midfielder said [Sunday Post, 12/05 print edition]: “It was good but we made it a little bit difficult for ourselves, probably with a little bit of help from me. If we’d taken our chances, including the penalty, it would have been a little bit easier for ourselves.
“I think I’ve learned a lot over the course of the season. I’ve been able to come back and reset after most games which has probably been my strongest asset this season. I’ve just been open to learn whether it’s good or bad so I’ll study the penalty today, for example, and see what I can do better.
“It wasn’t the run-up that I practised yesterday. For whatever reason, I got stuck in two minds. That’s something I can learn from as well. Hopefully next time I can put that right.”
O’Riley has an elite improvement mentality
The fact that the Celtic midfielder puts so much thought into his game and a process of constant improvement is why he is excelling right now.
For example, Rodgers challenged him to add more goals to his game last summer. That’s been answered with a barrel load.
If he’s telling us his penalty-taking is going to improve, we have no reason to doubt him. Despite his miss, I’d even keep him on those duties. If anyone can turn around Celtic’s penalty worries it’s someone with his mindset.