The former Celtic hero who now has Matt O’Riley’s Denmark career in his hands

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Matt O’Riley saw his international career stall this summer after Denmark didn’t take the Celtic midfielder to Euro 2024.

It was a move that surprised many, especially after the season O’Riley had at Celtic both in the Champions League and domestically.

The 23-year-old scored 19 goals and created 18 assists, picked up three Player of the Year Awards and made his international debut in a 2-0 defeat to Northern Ireland back in November last year.

O’Riley‘s last turnout for Demark was a 31-minute cameo in the 2-0 win over the Faroe Islands in March and it was hoped that he could have been included in the national team squad that was heading to Germany.

However, it wasn’t to be. And as Denmark exited the tournament, national boss Kasper Hjulmand resigned from the position which meant one man could step in and take temporary charge.

Morten Weighorst takes temporary charge of Denmark

Hjulmand left the post after a meeting with the Danish FA earlier this week, and on being appointed the national team boss until at least the New Year, Morten Weighorst said he was delighted to have been offered the role.

Weighorst said [Danish FA], “Of course, it is a great honour and a big pat on the back that the DBU in this situation has chosen me to be the national coach.

“We have a fantastic talent pool in Danish football, and I am very much looking forward to taking on the tasks in the autumn.

“Together with the staff and players, I will give everything so that we can achieve success in the exciting matches in the Nations League, and that the Danes can be proud of their national team.”

Weighorst was part of the Celtic team that stopped Rangers’ nine-in-a-row in 1998 after his 26 appearances and five goals also helped deliver a League Cup under the legendary Wim Jansen.

O’Riley has already proven that he has the talent to play at the highest level which is why he is one of Celtic’s most sought-after players.

Now manager of Denmark, Weighorst has the immediate future of the Celtic hero’s international career in his hands and, hopefully, he will add O’Riley as one of those talents he will look to draft in when he names his first national squad.