Matt O’Riley is currently undergoing the first pre-season of his professional career and feels he’s at his fittest ahead of the 2021-22 campaign.
The Covid-19 travel restrictions meant the midfielder stayed in the country and used his time off to keep fit in order to attack pre-season in the fittest possible shape.
“It’s been a good break,” O’Riley told the local media in his first interview of the season. “I wanted to get away, but it didn’t feel right. I just stayed here and met up with my family when I could. I was doing a lot of fitness to make sure I’m ready for this season.
“It’s my first pre-season in about three years. It’s much better for me and puts me in a good place ahead of the season.”
O’Riley also wants to take on more responsibility in helping new players settle in at Stadium MK. More often than not, new signings will sit down with Russell Martin and his staff to sit through clips on his style of play. O’Riley feels he can have a positive influence on the arrivals and offer them advice.
“I think even the new lads coming in, I can help them. I know the ins and outs of how we play and what we do it’s not just the staff helping players - we can do our bit as well.”
