Celtic haven’t been involved in a tighter title race than the current one in several years. For the current crop of players, things going to the wire is something they aren’t used to.
That is the case for some fans as well and although the Hoops are three points clear with four games to go, the situation at the top can alter at the drop of a hat.
While the mounting pressure can take its toll on some players, others relish it and Matt O’Riley is certainly in the camp of the latter.
His poise was summed up no better than in the most recent Glasgow derby when he chipped Jack Butland from the spot to silence Ibrox.
It was a memorable moment for the midfielder and as the season reaches a climactic end, O’Riley has outlined how much manager Brendan Rodgers is thriving.
He said: [Glasgow Times] “You can tell he (Rodgers) enjoys it.
“We get that feeling too. Everyone enjoys it. Everyone should enjoy it. It’s fun when it’s close.
“I know from a fans’ perspective and I’d like it to be easy and [we were] 12 points clear. But when it’s close it brings out that extra fire in everyone and drive, so I think it’s really enjoyable.
“It’s about not getting ahead of ourselves. I’m sure people are already thinking about Rangers in two weeks’ time but that should be the last thing on our minds right now.
“We should be thinking about tomorrow and then the next day then the next day.”
The Bhoys know that two wins from their next two would all but wrap up the title, but on paper, the matches are arguably the toughest home domestic ones they could ask for.
There is a long way to go yet before anything is said and done, though, and things can change rapidly in football, especially with Celtic.
