John Hartson has expressed his delight over the news that Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate might be renewing their contracts with Celtic.

Celtic has been proactive in securing the futures of pivotal players, including Kyogo Furuhashi, Liel Abada, Daizen Maeda, Callum McGregor, Anthony Ralston and Stephen Welsh. Now, it appears that O’Riley and Hatate might join the ranks of those extending their stay.

Reacting to this news, Celtic legend John Hartson praised both players, describing them as ‘very good’. He emphasised the importance of such a move by Celtic during his conversation with Go Radio.

Hartson highlighted O’Riley’s impressive performance under Brendan Rodgers this season scoring and assisting for fun, noting that contract discussions are ongoing. Meanwhile, with Hatate’s recent form, including a goal against Livingston, would be another great deal from the club.  Reports suggest he’s on the verge of agreeing to an extension.

Hartson commented on the potential contract renewals, stating; “Excellent news!

“On Hatate and Matt O’Riley, you want to tie your best players down.

“In this day and age, you might get an offer. You might still get an offer even when they sign new contracts.

“But you want to tie your best players down. You don’t want to let them go into a situation where they have got a year or a couple of years left, then their agents can go and talk to other clubs and then the players get carried away about where they can go next. Can they move on?

“Of course, if you have them tied down to new contracts, then it means that if there was a buying club, then they would have to pay more money for them because, in terms of their fee, they would have to buy their contracts out. Very wise from Celtic, besides that, they are two very good players.”