Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley believes he has a possibility of playing at the Qatar World Cup 2022, and it might just be for Denmark.
O’Riley, formerly of MK Dons, has immediately become a fan favourite. Technically gifted, committed and erudite, the Englishman has interesting options at international level.
Though he’s represented the country of his birth at youth level, he’s also eligible for Denmark. And the Danes, impressive at Euro 2020, would surely benefit from O’Riley technical prowess.
In a press conference attended by 67 Hail Hail, O’Riley was bullish about his international chances. Asked by A Celtic State of Mind about his World Cup hopes, O’Riley said: “I’ve had thoughts about the World Cup I won’t lie.
“It’s definitely one of my bigger targets I’d say. I feel like it’s possible. I’m playing for a club such as Celtic now so I don’t think it’s out of the question.
“[There’s] still a long way to go to be able to get a call-up of that magnitude so we’ll see. Regarding picking a nation I think it’s still really early. I haven’t actually played for Denmark yet.
“I played for England youth teams but at the same time I do feel quite Danish. My mum’s Danish, I can speak a decent amount, I can understand a very good amount so in that sense I don’t think it’s something that’s out of the question at all. And if I did get a call-up from Denmark then I don’t think I’d be saying no.
“I’m excited to see what happens but for now let’s just focus on what’s in front of me and then we’ll go from there.”
European showings could hold key for Celtic man Matt O’Riley and his Denmark chances
Celtic have had a number of Danes play in the Green and White. Gravesen, Rasmussen, Wieghorst, Rieper et al have done it, while playing in the Hoops. There’s no question O’Riley can garner attention from the Danish FA playing in the Scottish Premiership.
Europe, though; that’s where his international chances could really be bolstered. And there’s no better time than the present, with Bodø/Glimt up next in the new Europa Conference League.
On current form, it’s hard to look past him getting picked. He immediately clicked with Josip Juranovic and Liel Abada, providing excellent rotations and almost always finding an outlet ball on the right. There’s a truly tantalising combination there if all three players can maintain form.
And of course, eyes will be on this tournament. There are plenty of decent teams left, ourselves very much included. The narrative around the competition, and the presence of both Midtjylland and Randers in the Conference League surely lends itself well to O’Riley.
Why? Well, surely the Danish FA will be keeping tabs on their competing teams. It stands to reason that if O’Riley stands out, then it’ll be absolutely noticed.
These are hypotheticals, of course. But the prospects look good, and Denmark could surely use a creative number 8 like O’Riley in their ranks.
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