Callum McGregor has delivered his verdict on Matt O'Riley's proposed transfer exit to Brighton.

The Celtic midfielder was not involved in the win over St Mirren as he completes a medical with the Premier League club.

The move is expected to be finalised and formally announced in the coming days.

And McGregor has suggested the transfer exit could be viewed as a "backhanded compliment" to Celtic as he insisted a new cycle begins after O'Riley's departure.

"That's it, the guys that are left here now, they have got to step up and that's what we are about," said the Celtic captain on Sky Sports. "It is a squad game.

"Matty comes in, develops himself and moves on to a bigger level and that's brilliant.

"It's another sort of backhanded compliment for the lads as well. We bring them in to this environment, get them working, make them better players and then it's just the next cycle happens again.

"We get the next one in and we do the same. It's about mentality and working hard and when you've got that then players come and go but the structure has to stay the same."

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Ahead of the match, Brendan Rodgers confirmed: "He'll be down in Brighton completing his medical. That move should be done over the course of the next couple of days.

"He has been absolutely magnificent in this last year. He gave everything to the team and the club.

"Right up to his very last day he was out doing extra work. That shows the mentality he has.

"So, I'm pleased for Matt in terms that he gets a move to the Premier League - and for us, we push on. That's the model of the club."