Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley did his World Cup call-up chances no harm, despite disappointment for Denmark under-21s in their European Championship play-off.
It has been quite an incredible year for O’Riley, who has enjoyed a successful 2022 on both the domestic and international front.
In January, the 21-year-old completed his move to Parkhead, joining from English League One side MK Dons, and went on to become a key contributor in Ange Postecoglou’s side.
Following the Bhoys Scottish Premiership title success, the attacking midfielder is now playing against some of the best clubs side in the world in the UEFA Champions League.
During the summer, we already saw O’Riley being linked with moves to English Premier League sides. But, his focus only remained on Celtic.
Not only has the midfielder been successful in Scotland, though, but he has also gone on to pick up international caps at youth level with Denmark under-21s side.
O’Riley qualifies through his mother’s side and has previously opened up on several occasions about his aspirations to play for the country.
So far, he may only have made appearances for the Denmark youth side. However, he appears to be making his impact felt there too.
This international break, O’Riley and Denmark were looking to secure a place in the u21s European Championship and were handed the task of facing Croatia in the playoffs.
The first leg ended in a 2-1 defeat, as Croatia took a one-goal lead into the second match-up back in Denmark.
Last night, both sides played out the second leg for a place in the tournament, and O’Riley’s impact was felt on the game right from the off.
The Celtic midfielder pulled his international side back into the tie, scoring the opening goal of the fixture after just 10 minutes with a fantastic header after picking up plenty of space in the penalty area.
And just moments later, the tie was swung in the favour of Denmark, as they took the lead at their home ground and were in a healthy position to secure a place in the competition.
But, ultimately, it ended in disappointment for O’Riley and his teammates after Croatia pulled back a late goal with just four minutes of normal time left to play before the away side went on to win the match on penalties.
O’Riley wasn’t on the pitch to take one of the spot-kicks, being replaced just after the hour mark by Nordsjaelland midfielder Mads Bidstrup.
Strong Denmark showings from O’Riley could provide him with an outside chance at World Cup spot.
Although it might have seemed unlikely at one stage earlier this year, O’Riley is in with an outside shout of a place in the Denmark squad heading to the World Cup in Qatar.
The midfielder hasn’t yet made an appearance for his country’s first team, and he might have to wait until after the competition for that to happen.
But, his performances at club and international level have certainly done him no harm after an impressive few months.
In just six appearances for the Denmark under-21s side, O’Riley contributed to four goals as they came within minutes of reaching the European Championships
If he can continue to produce the high level of performances we have come to expect, especially in the Champions League, then there is a chance that he could be heading to Qatar.
That can only be good news for Ange Postecoglou, with the former Fulham man determined to earn a surprise spot on the plane in November.
Whilst it might seem a little unlikely, officials from Denmark are going to be watching the midfielder closely in the coming weeks and months.
In other news, Report: Another Celtic star rated a ‘major doubt’ for injury return against Motherwell
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
