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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Mark Walker

Matt O'Riley's mentor describes Denmark squad omission as 'baffling'

Matt O'Riley's shock snub from Denmark's Euro 2024 squad is completely baffling, according to his mentor, former England No.2 John Gorman.

The Celtic midfielder enjoyed a sensational season for the league and Scottish Cup winners and netted 19 goals in all competitions this term.

But that wasn't enough to get him on the Danish plane to the Euros with manager Kasper Hjulmand appearing to hint that the standard of the Scottish Premiership hindered his cause.

And that's stunned Gorman, who was on Celtic's books as a kid and who worked with a young O'Riley who was at Fulham, when he was spotting talent for an agency.

Gorman - the Scot who was assistant manager for England under Glenn Hoddle - admits he was stunned at O'Riley's Euros heartache in an interview to Danish media.

He said: "I thought it was absolutely certain he would be selected. I didn't think it was even a question at all.

"I thought he was comfortable at international level. Also with the way he has played this season and he has done well in the Champions League.

"You would think that Denmark would be delighted to have him in the squad. I'm not saying that he should start in the match, but at least be in the squad - and if he is needed, then of course he should come on.

"He is nothing but quality. The kid has been absolutely incredible. And I know about the standard of the Scottish league, but Rangers went all the way to the final of the Europa League the other year. That's not bad at all, is it?"



"I know that the standard is not as high as in England. It is obvious. No one will disagree with that. But it is still a good standard.

"When I read Hjulmand's criticism of the standard of Scottish football, I was a little disappointed with him. Not just on behalf of Matt, but on behalf of everyone in Scotland. Because you can criticise all you want, but the fact is that these are still some tough battles.

"If you have played in an Old Firm game as Matt has done, the standard is really high in those games. Those matches alone are enough to prove how good he is.

"I don't think he is too far behind Christian Eriksen or Pierre-Emile Højbjerg.

"If he couldn't get in the team in front of them, he could at least be there with them in Germany. They would help him too, I'm sure. They are incredibly professional. I'm sure they would be happy to play with Matt O'Riley.

"Matt has so much creativity, absolute quality and calmness. He is a fantastic player. He is so calm in games, even when it is between Celtic and Rangers.

"He always seems to have time with the ball.

"And I have said before that he has some of what Glenn Hoddle had at that age. Their styles are similar.

"He's always looking for that killer ball. He has an absolutely wonderful way of playing the ball. He has a nice touch. And he has a really good eye for the game. He sees the same thing that Glenn did when he was young."

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