Matt O'Riley reveals Celtic wondergoal was down to PILATES routine as St Johnstone screamer took him by surprise

The Dane scored a superb second half strike to complete a dramatic turnaround at McDiarmid Park on Sunday.

Shocked Celtic star Matt O'Riley has revealed his sublime goal against St Johnstone was down to his current exercise routine and he urged others to take note.

The 23-year-old slammed the ball beyond Dimitar Mitov during the second half as Celtic came from behind to win in Perth. O'Riley's strike was his seventh of the season and the midfielder says it all comes down to pilates.

O'Riley's sensational effort arrowed into the net from outside the box, with the Denmark international also believing it's one of the best goals he's scored. He said: “I surprised myself a bit with it, it was nice, my first thought after it went in was how stable I felt in my body. And I think that is a result of the Pilates I have been doing as well. So it’s nice to see these things coming together. It’s the best goal I have ever scored with my right foot.

“I just felt very stable on the ball, recently I have been practising it a lot with my right foot, it’s made me more stable and more effective, so if I can add that to my game as well it will be very helpful. I started it when I was younger at Fulham, because I had a few back problems, I’ve started to get back into it in the last year or so and I find it very beneficial.

“I do it outside of the club as well, I do my own stuff here at the club and just try and keep on top of everything away from the club as well. It helps with all sorts, it helps with injury prevention, it helps with just general stability on the pitch if you want to protect the ball, you’re more balanced and more robust.

“I think it’s important if you want to have a long career, and I’m someone who wants to play for a long time. I didn’t realise how good all the link-up play before it was until I watched it back, I don’t think you ever realise at the time, but upon further reflection it was nice."

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