Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley received his first call-up to the Danish national team on Sunday. It was a deserved inclusion for the 22-year-old who has been exceptional for his club so far this season.
He will be keen to make his debut versus San Marino on Tuesday, and a top Danish pundit has revealed he is a hot topic in the country. Peter Kjaer, who was understudy to Kasper Schmeichel throughout his career, said (Daily Record): “People in Denmark are talking about him. They know about him and they’re excited.”
This news comes as no surprise, O’Riley’s form has been on another level this season but even previously, Kjaer said he was being looked at last winter ahead of the World Cup. He stated: “I’ve seen O’Riley play, he’s a top player. I know the national coach also thinks he’s great. He spoke about him before the 2022 World Cup so he’s been following him.”
He didn’t make the cut for Qatar but his time has now come. Throughout his career, he has qualities that will be of use to his national team, says Kjaer: “He’s doing very well at Celtic and he’s still a young guy who is improving all the time. He has a lot of qualities that I know Denmark will want to use in the future. Playing in the Champions League will also undoubtedly help him, in terms of a call-up.”
With Denmark likely to make it to Euro 2024, O’Riley will be keen to keep up his outstanding Celtic form and ensure he is on the plane to Germany. This international break has provided him with a chance to impress Kasper Hjulmund as he looks to become a consistent member of the 51-year-old’s squads.
