Monday night was a big day for Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley, who was handed his first Denmark cap by Kasper Hjulmand.
It had been a long time coming, and with his national team managing to qualify for next year’s Euros on Friday with a 2-1 win over Slovenia, the manager decided the next game against Northern Ireland would be the ideal time to try something new.
He started the Celtic midfielder in an experimental squad, which backfired, as they lost 2-0, which means that O’Riley’s debut in a red and white shirt ended in defeat, much to the displeasure of the 23-year-old.
Speaking to Bold.dk, he said: “It’s my first international game. Losing to Northern Ireland 2-0 is not the best, so I’m a bit sad, but I hope I can help in the future. They were so physical, and they want to fight so much. They are good at that.
“I think (their win) was deserved actually. We weren’t good enough in my opinion. It was one of those games. For me, it was a perfect match to play. I hope that next time I can show a bit more, but I’m still proud. I could do better than I did today.”
It was an exciting time for the Danish press, who finally got to see the much raved about midfielder in their country’s kit, and they were keen to try and pick the best out of his performance.
Still, the same Bold.dk gave him a 3/10 for his display, explaining that while it was ‘great’ to see him for the first time and that he ‘provided plenty of energy’, there were ‘also a few mistakes’.
That included a ‘poor pass’ that resulted in a Northern Ireland counter-attack, which led to a goal.
Either way, the Celtic star got his much anticipated debut, and will strive to do better next time, as he said.
