DON'T GET IN A FLAP OVER LOSING MATT TO SEAGULLS

MATT O'RILEY might get stolen away by the Seagulls but Stephen McManus is convinced Celtic will still be flying with Brendan Rodgers in charge.

- MICHAEL GANNON

Hoops fans are getting in a flap over the prospect of losing the playmaker as Brighton prepare to swoop with little over a week left in the transfer window.

O'Riley has been a superstar for Celts in his two-and-a-half years at the club and has started the new season with a bang.

But it was inevitable the 24-year-old would attract interest and it was only a matter of time before the English Premier League took notice and made their move after a summer watching Italians Atalanta playing footsie.

O'Riley is on the verge of an exit but youth boss McManus reckons the most important man at the club is going nowhere - and won't lose his cool even if a main man is on his way. And Celtic fans should take comfort in the fact Rodgers has only just begun his Parkhead grand plan.

McManus said: "Brendan is absolutely only just getting started. Last year was a difficult, challenging campaign for everyone at the club when you look at the injuries to key players, guys not always being available, others departing.

"It was a huge challenge but Brendan knows you are judged on success at Celtic. Through stormy waters, there's always someone who has to be the figurehead, to stay calm and lead you through it.

"That's what the club has. A manager and staff who are calm, there's a captain who brings a calmness no matter what is going on out on the pitch. That feeds through the entire club.

"Brendan was the manager when I came back in and he played a bit part in bringing me to the club.