Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley sees himself representing Denmark, and is both happy and optimistic about his Danish footballing future.
That’s according to Denmark U21 boss Jesper Sorensen, who spoke with O’Riley before handing him a call-up to his set-up. O’Riley, so formidable for Celtic since signing in January, has made no secret of his desire to represent the country. He’s eligible through his Mother, and has spoken about his understanding of the Danish language.
Sorensen, after revealing his squad to face Belgium later this month, complimented the former Fulham youngster, and discussed what the two had been talking about prior to his selection.
He said [Tipsbladet]: “Matthew is a technically really good player.
“He is not the fastest, but he compensates for that by perceiving the game very quickly. He is left-footed with a really good kick, and already in his second match for Celtic he took a free kick. He appears very mature on and off the field. I am very much looking forward to seeing him.
“The most important thing for him is to think through whether [representing Denmark] is something he wants. Whether he can see himself standing to represent Denmark. He thinks he can. He has told me that he is really happy and that he is looking forward [to it].”
Celtic star Matt O’Riley has exciting Denmark future if he wants it
Again, O’Riley has hardly been shy about his Denmark prospects. In a press conference attended by 67 Hail Hail, O’Riley was bullish about his international chances. He 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.”
Well, now he has the perfect audition.
Denmark, of course, have a long history of producing talented midfield creators. Though O’Riley was born and raised in the south of England, he can still be part of a fantastic creative lineage. The opportunity is there for him, and he’s clearly caught the Danish FA’s eye.
Not only that, he’ll surely be key in the blockbuster series of games Celtic have ahead of them. He may well get his first taste of the Hampden spotlight against Rangers in the Scottish Cup, while there’s no let-up in league action, either.
From League One in England to Celtic and the Denmark set-up. Fine, it’s just the U21s for now.
But judging by Sorensen’s words, and his own ambition, Matt O’Riley is destined for much more on the international stage.
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