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

Celtic ace Matt O'Riley expresses pride after Denmark debut as he targets Euro 2024

Celtic star Matt O'Riley admitted he was proud to make his international debut for Denmark but he was left gutted at getting embarrassed by Northern Ireland.

The Hoops midfielder was handed his first start for his country, but the Danes were stunned by a struggling Northern Ireland side who had endured a disastrous campaign, in a shock 2-0 defeat.

And he is desperate to go again for Denmark at the Euros next summer.

He said: "It was pretty cool to be handed the No.10 jersey before the match.

"It is a number that the good players wear. So a bit of pressure, but it's not something I thought about.

"I'm obviously proud of the first international match, but a 2-0 loss to Northern Ireland...I'm a little sad about that.

"I hope to stay in the team and play a part at the Euros next."

And Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand insisted he had no hesitation playing O'Riley from the start.

He said: "Matt has been in the system for a while. We have had him with us for a long time and have seen him a lot.

"The last two summers there has been a bit of voluntary training around June and Matt just comes over immediately.

"He has been good for the Under 21s and I think he has taken extra steps this autumn with his club, especially in the European matches.

"We wanted to see him in action. He is a great midfield talent that we would like to see in our squad."

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