Mark Wilson issues cutting verdict on Matt O’Riley’s Denmark snub despite Celtic form

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Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley has become a major talking point over the last 24 hours or so for good reason.

Despite registering 19 goals and 18 assists this term, the 23-year-old has inexplicably been left out of Denmark’s 26-man squad for EURO 2024 in Germany.

National boss Kasper Hjulmand discussed his omission from the championships, admitting it was a difficult decision to make amid his excellent form.

He stated: “Matt’s been a really good player, he’s had a great season. I’ve picked six players that we can move around a bit. It’s been at the expense of Matt, but it was a tough choice. I know he’s going to play a lot of international games. He couldn’t do anything different.”

It is hard to get your head around not selecting someone as productive as O’Riley has been, and the 52-year-old has drawn criticism from former Celtic man Thomas Gravesen, among others, for his selection.

Now, Mark Wilson has issued his verdict on the call, which has stirred up debate both in Scotland and Denmark.

Mark Wilson on Matt O’Riley’s omission from Denmark squad

Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, Wilson had indicated his confusion that O’Riley has been left out of the Denmark group scheduled to head to Germany.

He explained when asked if he was surprised by the development: “Without doubt, I’ve never really had a chance to look at Denmark’s squad, there will be some quality players in there, but for the season Matt O’Riley has had, the goal involvements, the goals scored, playing in the Champions League.

“I thought he did fine in the Champions League as well, so if you’re having a go at the Scottish league, okay, you’re maybe entitled to that; we’re not the biggest league, but when you’re playing in a top European competition like the Champions League and showing up pretty well, then I thought he would’ve merited a place in that squad at least.”

Wilson has a point; O’Riley hasn’t only shown up on the domestic scene, but he has also proven his worth in the Champions League against some of the elite on the continent.

If that isn’t enough to merit selection, who knows what it is? Nevertheless, every manager will make their own decisions for reasons personal to them.

According to Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas, O’Riley is on standby for the tournament and has been training on the off-chance he gains a late call, though whether that happens is another question.