The exclusion of Matt O’Riley from the Denmark Euro 2024 squad has left Celtic supporters scratching their heads this week. The 23-year-old midfielder has impressed both domestically and in European competitions under Brendan Rodgers, leading to a flurry of transfer rumors linking him to clubs across England, Spain, and Germany.
Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand’s decision to overlook O’Riley has sparked backlash from the Danish media and former player Thomas Gravesen, who believes O’Riley deserved a spot on the team. Hjulmand’s comments about the quality of Scottish football compared to other nations have also irked former manager Jim Duffy, known for his no-nonsense approach.
Taking up punditry, Duffy criticized Hjulmand’s reliance on league standards to justify his selections, emphasizing that a player’s talent and attributes should be the main considerations. He pointed out that O’Riley has been a standout performer in the competitive Scottish league, and using the league’s reputation as a deciding factor is lazy and unfair.
Duffy’s stance is supported by past examples of successful Celtic players excelling in international competitions despite playing in Scotland. The excuse of league quality should not overshadow the undeniable talent and potential of players like O’Riley who have proven themselves on the pitch.
