"If I am being brutally honest"; Celtic are all that's on Matt O'Riley's mind

By Ben Evans

March 14, 2023

Celtic star Matt O’Riley has admitted he’s not worried about being called up by Denmark ahead of the upcoming international break.

The midfielder was speaking to the Daily Record as the final round of internationals this season approaches.

Despite his Irish surname, O’Riley has already represented England and Denmark as a young international.

He turned out for England at under-16 and under-18 level while playing for Fulham.

However, he was eligible to play for Denmark through his mother and switch allegiances last year.

Denmark qualified for the under-21 Euros this summer, and O’Riley is very likely to be selected.

If he could earn a senior call-up before then, it would be a deserved reward for the £1.5m midfielder.

O’Riley has been brilliant for Celtic this season, and a senior international debut would be a brilliant next step.

The 22-year-old is top of the assist charts for the Bhoys as they lead the way in the Scottish Premiership.

Celtic star O’Riley not thinking about international call-up

The midfielder was asked about Denmark’s upcoming fixtures against Finland and Kazakhstan, and said: “I would rather be called up than not be called up.

“But at the same time, it is not something that I am actually thinking about if I am being brutally honest.

“That kind of takes care of itself. If you perform well I know eventually my time will come. I am not too fussed about that.

“But of course, I would like to represent my country. That would be very cool.”

Ange Postecoglou has backed O’Riley to have a brilliant end to the current campaign.

He’s been battling with Aaron Mooy for a starting place, and has been starting every other league game since the new year.

O’Riley has said recently he’s in the best place he’s been for a long time, which is a great sign.

The youngster has bags of potential, and Fulham never gave him the senior opportunities he needed.

His spell at MK Dons showed just how good he could be, and since being left out by Scott Parker at Craven Cottage, has gone on to play in the Champions League.

If O’Riley could achieve that international call-up it would be a huge achievement for the Celtic man.

He could potentially line up alongside the likes of Thomas Delaney, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Christian Eriksen.