Matt O’Riley started for the Denmark U21 side this afternoon in a match against Kazakhstan. Per the UEFA live text commentary, he created an assist less than a minute into the match.
The Danes are looking to qualify for the U21 Euros in a group that also involves Scotland. They need three points today to keep their hopes of progression into the play-off phase on track.
O’Riley was initially called up to the U21 set-up in March and played 20 minutes off the bench against Belgium. This afternoon, however, he gets his big chance from the start.
O’Riley was born in England but qualifies for Danish duty through his grandmother, who visited the midfielder with more members of his family on trophy day last month.
He has long been on the radar of the national team, but getting first-team football with Celtic seemed to be the catalyst for them to officially bit on his future.
If he performs well in the U21s group, it seems likely he’ll eventually get a call up to the senior side given his potential.
Matt O’Riley could make late push for World Cup
The former MK Dons man has been a revelation at the Bhoys. The quality of performances have thrilled Celtic supporters, many of whom have been left confused about why he was lingering in English League One.
O’Riley is now well-primed to be a key part of a side that will be playing UEFA Champions League group stage football next season.
That will only boost his international chances as Denmark prepare their final squad for the World Cup in Qatar.
The chance make a push for the big tournament will be a motivating factor for him in the opening stages of next season.
Of course, that will only benefit Ange Postecoglou and Celtic.
With a full pre-season under his belt with the Bhoys, I can’t wait to see him in action after the summer break!
In other news, The rush of reports about Celtic exit aren’t what they seem.
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