After months of waiting, Celtic’s Matt O’Riley finally got his long-awaited first cap for Denmark in the final Euro 2024 qualifier against Northern Ireland last night.
Despite being on the losing side, the 23-year-year-old enjoyed a solid debut as he played out 61 minutes of the match at Windsor Park.
But that didn’t stop O’Riley being self-critical of his first performance in the red and white of the Danes. The Celtic midfielder admits that he was nervous before the match but he wasn’t happy with one thing that he did.
O’Riley said [Bold], “It’s hard to say much after a game you lose. But it was my first international match and I’m proud of that.
“Of course, I was a little nervous before the game, but that’s normal and when I first played, I wasn’t nervous.
“It was a bit annoying that I make a pass and then they make a goal at the other end. But that’s what can happen.”
Matt O’Riley will enjoy an excellent Celtic and Denmark career
The reason that O’Riley will have a hugely successful career at both club and now international level is that he is a perfectionist.
TBR Celtic told yesterday how the 23-year-old midfielder caught the eye of Southampton boss, Russell Martin at a young age at MK Dons and even at that early stage of his career, Martin said that O’Riley was meticulous in his preparations.
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Even as a youth, O’Riley impressed at international level for England as Everton coach, Dan Micchice, recalls how he was ‘exceptional’ and outshone the likes of Phil Foden and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Now at Celtic, O’Riley is still the same. He’s still the consummate professional who takes on new roles and responsibilities in order to continually improve his game.
New tied to a new contract and valued at over £10m, when the time comes, Celtic will get top dollar for a young player who is constantly proving that he can equip himself at the very top of professional football.
In other news, ‘Best midfielder in Scotland’… Peter Martin says Celtic have a player who’s better than Matt O’Riley