In-form Matt O'Riley is set to be rewarded for his form at Celtic with a call up to the Denmark national squad.
The Hoops midfielder was watched by assistant coach - and ex-Parkhead star - Morten Weighorst in the Europa League defeat to Bodo/Glimt on Thursday night.
And after just a month under Ange Postecoglou, he’s put himself in contention for the Danes’ friendly games against Holland and Serbia next month.
O’Riley has been terrific for Celtic since arriving from MK Dons for £1.5 million in January.
He qualifies to play for England, Denmark or Norway but has now committed to the Danes, the birth country of his mother.
Weighorst has watched all of O’Riley’s games at Celtic but was there in person on Thursday night.
And O’Riley hopes that if Postecoglou’s side win the title and qualify for the Champions League - it could get him to the World Cup in Qatar this year.
Weighorst says O’Riley is very much on the radar of Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand and Under-21 coach Jesper Sorensen.
He’s convinced that being at Celtic will bolster his chances of being part of their squad for the Nations League campaign in September and World Cup in December.
Weighorst said: “Matt’s had a very good start to his Celtic career. He’s got a very good left foot, he’s good on the ball and has vision.
“There’s no better place to be for him. He’s playing under pressure at Celtic.
“There are expectations and when things aren’t going well, the fans will let the players know it’s below par. That’s what it’s like playing for a big team.
“People in our association have been aware of Matt for longer than I have. I only knew about him when he made the change from MK Dons.
“But people in our system had him involved at U16 and U17 level. I’ve watched all of his games so far this season and he’s done well. He looks composed.
“He sees passes and he got a goal at Aberdeen the other week.
“First and foremost, Matt has to make up his mind whether he wants to play for Denmark. If any player who has that possibility, like Matt has through his mum who’s Danish, I’d always support it.
“He’s got the ability to be in contention. But the player’s heart has got to be in it, the player needs to want to play for his country.
“The head coach is in touch with Matt so we’ll see. No disrespect to MK Dons but he’s at a higher level now, he has a higher profile playing in front of 60,000 fans at Celtic and in Europe.
“He will definitely develop in the coming seasons and he’s slotted in well so far.”
O’Riley, who is still eligible for Denmark’s U21’s, said: “My mum is Danish and I like the country.
“If they called me up I’d be very honoured.
“I’ve been there a few times because I have family over there I’m close to. I’m half Danish so it’s something I’m interested in.
“The World Cup is definitely an aim at the back of my head.
“Some people will say it’s a long shot but I’m playing for Celtic and hopefully next season we’ll be in the Champions League. That could get me recognition on the international stage.
“Denmark has a very good team and that’s why, in my head, it’s not a bad option.
“They’re a strong side, they showed that at Euro 2020 and in the World Cup qualifiers.
“I can only take it game by game at Celtic and hopefully the rest takes care of itself.”
