MATT O’RILEY hopes that playing in the Champions League next season will boost his chances of being called up to represent Denmark at the Qatar World Cup in the winter.
If the Goal of the Month winner does earn a call-up, he’ll miss Celtic’s tour down under.
Celtic are in a great place, just three points from winning the league. Postecoglou’s side will likely sit out the Champions League qualification process in the summer. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led to them being expelled from European competitions, meaning Celtic will definitely be playing in Europe’s elite league next season.
Speaking via Celtic TV, when asked if Champions League football will help him earn a call-up for this year’s World Cup, O’Riley replied;
“I do. Yeah. I think anyone who is playing Champions League football and hopefully playing it at a good level helps massively. But, again, I know it’s annoying for me to say this: we haven’t got there yet. Once we do, I’ll give you a proper answer on that.”
Focussing on finding success in Europe, the former MK Dons player said;
“I think so. I think that’s what can take us to the next level. Hopefully, once the season is over, we can put ourselves in a good place to do that. That is an exciting thought for all of us around Celtic.
“I’m not going to say anything now because we haven’t officially won anything but, in terms of European football, if we can play at the highest level I think for all of us that’d be a really cool experience.
“And just being able to test yourself against the best players in the world will be really cool because that’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”
O’Riley has made the first stride towards his senior debut, representing the Danish under 21s. Now, he’s looking to take a step up and represent his mother’s country at the senior level.
Playing at the highest level football has to offer will undoubtedly help O’Riley’s cause.
