Matt O'Riley has revealed that he's banned his love ones from talking about speculation linking him with a move away from Celtic.
Atletico Madrid submitted a loan offer for the attacking midfielder in January. This included an obligation to buy the Denmark international.
Brendan Rodgers instantly instructed the club to reject the approach, with O'Riley's Player of the Year nominee form pivotal to Celtic's title tilt.
The 23-year-old has openly addressed Atletico's interest previously.
🍀 PFA Scotland Scottish Premiership Player of the Year nominee Matt O'Riley on his season so far, Celtic's title pursuit and more.
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) April 29, 2024
Hear from all four nominees 🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/8o0BgolhBm
But he's told everyone around him that it's the last thing on his mind for the time being.
"Yeah I have, to be fair," he admitted. "I've said that to my parents, agents, and people that are even just within the club when naturally people want to talk about that.
"But I just think it's a big distraction especially when I still have a job to do here."
O'Riley was speaking to Sky Sports following his nomination for PFA Scotland's Premiership Player of the Year. He's up against Jack Butland and James Tavernier from Rangers, with Hearts' talisman Lawrence Shankland also on the list.
He's enjoyed an outstanding campaign, contributing 14 goals and 16 assists for the club in all competitions so far this season.
READ MORE: Potential Hart replacement responds to Celtic transfer links
O'Riley added: "Yeah it's been good, I think I've improved in taking my game to hopefully somewhat of another level this season which has probably been mainly due to a few more goals, to be honest.
"I think my general game probably hasn't improved drastically but little details it's probably been the thing I've tried to add a little bit more.
"I can't say it's completely just that (the way he's been deployed by Rodgers after Ange Postecoglou). Obviously I've been on the pitch a bit longer which always helps. I'm fortunate enough to have played 90 minutes pretty much every game and I think quite a lot of my goals have been coming after 70-odd minutes. That's probably helped.
"The other thing's just that I feel significantly better mentally, a bit more free and naturally when you feel good out there it helps."
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