Callum McGregor and the other Celtic players in the Scottish squad secured a spot in the major tournament following Scotland’s official qualification for the European Championships in the following year. However, another Bhoys player may be joining them.
Denmark defeated Slovenia 2-1 on Friday night, securing their place in the finals in Germany the following summer, with Matt O’Riley sitting on the bench.
After missing the first announcement, O’Riley was a late addition to the Danish team. However, after being part of manager Kasper Hjulmand’s squad for two straight international windows, the midfielder now has a genuine chance of pushing himself further in his plans.
In the upcoming days, Denmark plays Northern Ireland away in a match that can now be used for experimentation since qualification is assured. There’s even a chance he makes his debut for the nation.
Celtic might gain from more O’Riley inspiration.
O’Riley has already shown himself to be in superb form for Celtic this year. Since Brendan Rodgers joined the team, he has six goals and seven assists, making him stand out as one of the Bhoys’ most productive players this year.
Prominent analysts like Chris Sutton are referring to him as the best player in Scotland at the moment. Journalist Fabrizio Romano estimates that he is currently valued at more than £25 million in the transfer market.
We might expect even more from O’Riley in the upcoming days, weeks, and months, especially now that he has the added incentive of possibly purchasing a ticket for his very first international competition.
If Hjulmand were to make O’Riley his club debut on Monday night in Belfast, it would be incredible and ignite a fire under the midfielder to further establish himself.
O’Riley can terrorise opposition defences both domestically and internationally if he is hungry and merciless. It’s exciting to think that we might witness the best of him going forward.
