Matt O’Riley: Denmark considering handing Celtic midfielder first senior call-up

Denmark are seriously considering giving Matt O’Riley his first senior call-up for October’s internationals.

The Celtic midfielder, who played for England at youth level, has had a strong start to the season, scoring four goals and assisting twice in six games in the Scottish Premier League.

O’Riley also impressed in Celtic’s opening Champions League group match against Feyenoord, although he could not prevent the Scottish champions from suffering defeat after the number of players was reduced to nine players.

The 22-year-old’s form means he can now challenge for a place in the Danish midfield, with the national team keen to promote him from the U21s, where he has scored twice in six games.

Christian Eriksen and Thomas Delaney – two of the strong players in the Danish midfield in recent tournaments – are both in their 30s, while they are also keen to express an interest in Norway’s O’Riley, who he is also in contention for.

O’Riley has more goals, assists, shots and passes this season than both Eriksen and Delaney, as well as other Denmark midfielders including Phillip Billing, Mathias Jensen and Christian Norgaard. He has also won the joint-most interceptions and possessions.

Denmark are currently second in Group H for Euro 2024 qualification, behind Slovenia with four matches left to play. They meet Kazakhstan in Copenhagen on October 14 before traveling to San Marino three days later.

O’Riley also remains in talks with Celtic over a new contract, having won two Scottish titles, the Scottish Cup and the Scottish League Cup, since joining from MK Dons in January 2022.

However, towards the end of the summer transfer window, at least one bid for the former Fulham midfielder was rejected, and there is expected to be further interest from clubs across Europe in January.