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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Josh McCafferty

Brighton boss outlines 'frustrations' amid Matt O'Riley injury issues

Brighton and Hove Albion boss Fabian Hurzeler says the number of injured players he currently has is frustrating.

It comes after former Celtic midfielder Matt O'Riley endured a difficult start to life on England's south coast. Just six minutes into his competitive Brighton debut, he was subbed off after a horror tackle in a league cup tie with third-division outfit Crawley Town.

The Dane returned with a goal against champions Manchester City but has struggled to find consistency and nail down a place in the team.

The 24-year-old is one of a number of injured players at the AMEX, and boss Hurzeler outlined his annoyance at the current predicament: "Everyone would understand if I say it’s a frustrating situation," he told Sussex World.


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“I always try to be the leader and try to not talk about the problems, I try to find more solutions to them and that’s what we do.

"It’s very frustrating for the individual players. It’s our responsibility to be there for them, to give them the support they need to do the best rehab.

“Together with my medical staff, together with the physios, with the sports science, they try to give the best for the players. Hopefully the new players come back quickly and adapt quickly to the intensity of the Premier League."

O'Riley starred for Celtic last season, completing a clean sweep at their player of the year awards.

He scored 19 goals and assisted 18 across all competitions and netted the club a tidy sum when he left last summer.

While he might have long left Glasgow's east end, O'Riley still keeps in touch with his old teammate Gustaf Lagerbielke through a weekly meditation session: "Matt knows a guru, a spiritual meditation coach," said the Swedish central defender (Voetbal international via twenteinsite.nl).

"He organizes a guided meditation session once a week for Matt, me and a few other guys. Simply via webcam. We exchange experiences, the guru gives us tips for on the field and in our lives.

"Then, we meditate together for about forty minutes. Very pleasant and relaxing. In addition to that session, I also try to meditate for myself every day.”

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