Brendan Rodgers has spoken to Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand about Celtic star Matt O’Riley.
The attacker has been in great form recently, arguably playing the best stuff of his Celtic career so far. That has led to talk of him being called up to the full Denmark squad for their matches next month.
O’Riley‘s mother is Danish and he featured heavily for their under-21s while he was eligible. He is, however, yet to receive a cap for the senior Denmark side.
He could now be set to join the likes of Martin Braithwaite, Christian Eriksen and more in the full side. Denmark coach Hjulmand is certainly aware of him, as Rodgers revealed on Thursday.
“I was giving a report on him,” the Celtic boss said. “I know Kasper well from dealing with the Danish players I had at Leicester. Matt is very much in his thoughts.” (Scottish Sun)
At Leicester, Rodgers would have had Danish internationals like Kasper Schmeichel and Jannik Vestergaard on his books. He would have built a good relationship with Hjulmand that could now work to O’Riley’s advantage.
Denmark have been one of the overperforming international sides in the past five years. They’re currently ranked 18th in the FIFA World Rankings and are in a solid spot to qualify for next summer’s UEFA Euro 2024 in neighboring Germany.
They do have some quality options in midfield. But O’Riley is every bit as good as, or better, than the likes of Mathias Jensen and Thomas Delaney.
Producing at Champions League level could be the final step he needs to take for full international recognition. There’s always next Wednesday against Lazio if you fancy it, Matt.
In other news, Cameron Carter-Vicker takes big step forward towards Celtic return
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