Former Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley is set to come back from his ankle injury ‘quite fast’, according to Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler.

The Denmark international was the subject of a horror tackle from Crawley Town’s Jay Williams just nine minutes into his Seagulls debut.

O’Riley came off distraught and resultantly had to get surgery. Initially, a recovery timeline of around 8-12 weeks was given to the 23-year-old, but he looks to be ahead of it.

Hurzeler was speaking at a press-conference ahead of his side’s return to action from the international break this weekend.

Brighton host Ipswich in the English Premier League this Saturday and although O’Riley won’t play a part in the clash, he could return to the pitch for his new club sooner than expected.

“He's in very good spirits,” said Hurzeler.

“He has a great character, a great attitude, so immediately after the surgery he was very, very positive.

“He is around us in the training ground, he is doing his rehab already. I think he will be coming back quite fast.”

Read more:

O’Riley will be desperate to make a mark for Brighton after completing a record-breaking £30m move from Celtic.

He was sensational for the Hoops last term but hasn’t yet had a considerable opportunity to showcase his talents down south.

His recent injury did initially sound major alarm bells, but the Dane appears to be making a swift recovery.