No central reservations for Riordan
Celtic’s Derek Riordan believes he can develop a deadly strike partnership with Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink after confirming he is ready for a central role.
The former Hibernian forward has spent much of this season on the bench, and only last week boss Gordon Strachan stressed that Riordan preferred to play as a left-sided attacker.
However the 24-year-old told Celtic TV: “I am happy playing up front. I think it helps when I am playing with a bigger striker like Jan, who is good in the air and can hold the ball up well.”
Celtic face St Johnstone in the Tennent’s Scottish Cup semi-final on Saturday at Hampden Park.
Riordan hit the winner in the Bank of Scotland Premier League match against Motherwell last Saturday, after coming on the bench.
Having not yet had a long stretch of games, Riordan is eager to be heavily involved over the remaining matches this season.
“Hopefully I have done enough to be in the team for the semi-final, but it is down to the manager. He will pick the right team, I suppose,” he said.
“Obviously getting a goal on Saturday gives you a lot more confidence and I want to be playing a lot more games before the end of the season.
“I will have to prove myself and get a few more goals.”
