Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley became a surprise omission from Denmark’s squad for EURO 2024 in Germany this summer.
The 23-year-old enjoyed a phenomenal season at club level, registering 19 goals and 18 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions [Transfermarkt].
Nevertheless, Denmark boss Kasper Hjumland stood by his decision to leave out the in-form playmaker, citing it as one of the more difficult calls he has to make when picking his 26-man squad.
He stated: “Matt’s been a really good player, he’s had a great season. I’ve picked six players that we can move around a bit. It’s been at the expense of Matt, but it was a tough choice.“I know he’s going to play a lot of international games. He couldn’t do anything differently.
Fan reaction to the news in Scotland and Denmark has been a mixture of shock and surprise, to say the least; however, there is still a slim chance O’Riley could be on the plane to Germany.
Matt O’Riley remains on standby for Denmark Taking to social media platform X, Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas indicated his surprise that O’Riley was left out of Denmark’s squad, though also detailed he is on standby and has been training on the off-chance his services are called upon.
The reporter said: “Absolutely astonished Matt O’Riley is not in the Denmark squad. Hjulmand should have been braver and picked him – arguably most in-form CM they have, certainly out of those playing in UK. He can still make right decision. He’s on standby and been training.
”From the perspective of a Celtic fan, it doesn’t make sense that O’Riley isn’t there, and one can only wonder why he hasn’t been selected despite producing some sensational form in green and white.
Per Fotmob, he led the way on Scottish Premiership duty in goals, assists, average match rating, chance creation, ‘big chances’ created and Expected Assists club-wide.
However, this slim chance may present itself as a lifeline for O’Riley to show himself on the international stage; nevertheless, it would likely require an injury from Denmark’s existing crop of players for an opening to arrive.
