We’re prepared for the Tynecastle challenge, Matt O’Riley.

Matt O’Riley has had an excellent start to the season, topping the Scottish Premiership goalscoring records with five goals in eight Premiership games. He also received his first call-up to the Denmark national team.

The 22-year-old is determined to continue his success after winning Premiership Player of the Month today (Friday) thanks to his stellar play in September, which included three goals and one assist in four games.

The midfielder is motivated to keep getting better with every game as he approaches Sunday’s league matchup away to Hearts. He is happy with his play thus far.

Speaking on the season’s beginning and his prize, O’Riley stated: “I told my family, who were proud, that I found out about the award yesterday.

“The prize is more for them than for me because they have supported me throughout the entire trip and have made so many sacrifices.

“In the end, it’s not really about me; I’m simply thankful to be a part of this squad, which automatically helps you win individual awards.

Positively, I feel like I’m playing my game better than I have in a long time.

“I’m taking more attempts on goal and being in the box more often. I’m urging you to step up and remember that your chances of scoring goals increase when you occupy positions that allow you to do so.

It’s a constant process of improvement, and I’m improving because I find that if I focus on making all the improvements I should, then improvement comes easily.

“Now that I’m in a good place mentally, it’s up to me to show it on a regular basis, and I’m in a good space to do that.”

O’Riley was able to practice in the red and white of Denmark thanks to his performances in the green and white of Celtic.

Even though it came as a surprise, the player’s promotion to the senior squad after making an impression in his six Under-21 caps was another happy occasion for him and his family.

“The call-up was awesome, under odd circumstances, and I wasn’t expecting it by any means,” he remarked.

“I received the call while I was sitting on a balcony in Spain, and that was it.

“My family and I am quite pleased of this moment, and even though I didn’t participate, they made the effort to travel to San Marino for the game.

“That demonstrates my support network, and having those people close by when you’re called upon makes it even more special.”

“It was easy to settle in because everyone was really nice, even the so-called big hitters who were friendly and lovely right away.”

The focus now shifts back to the domestic competition and the journey to Tynecastle, the location of O’Riley’s January 2022 Celtic debut.

With seven victories and a tie through the first eight games, O’Riley believes the club is headed in the right direction and is prepared for the difficult task of facing Hearts.

“We didn’t start this season as fluid as we wanted to, but that was always going to be the case with a new manager,” he continued.

Since our opening games, particularly the most recent one, we have been incredibly natural and comfortable. There, with the atmosphere and the throng centered around you, things are never easy.

Because of how the stadium is set up, it feels cramped there. We anticipate that they will pursue us and that we will respond in kind.

Early scoring has the potential to significantly alter the outcome, but as long as we follow our plan, everything will work out.

“However, our experience at Ibrox proves that we can perform well and achieve a result even in the most competitive setting without fans.”