CELTIC star Matt O’Riley got a surprise call-up to the Denmark squad during the international break.
Celtic’s Matt O’Riley in action with Feyenoord’s Quinten Timber REUTERS/Piroschka Van De Wouw
The Dane has had a superb start to the season, already surpassing his goal tally from last season, and has been rewarded with his first senior call-up.
He was only part of the squad for the San Marino encounter and was named on the bench. He didn’t manage to get minutes on the pitch as Denmark narrowly won 2-1.
The midfielder opened up on the “random” call-up, but expressed his gratefulness to his family and partner, who made the trip to San Marino to watch the side play.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, which CeltsAreHere attended, Matt O’Riley said:
“It was under quite random circumstances. I wasn’t expecting it by any means.
“I was just sat on a balcony in Spain and got a call and that was it. Obviously, a proud moment for me and my family too, naturally.
“They made the journey to the game — my mum, dad and girlfriend. So it was a good effort from them to come to San Marino even though I didn’t play. It shows the support system I’ve got.
“It makes it that much more special when you get called up to have those kind of people around you.”
Matt O’Riley has gone up another level since Brendan Rodgers walked through the door, and has made some tweaks to his on-the-field play, but also how he applies himself away from the pitch, admitting he feels physically better this season.
