Nicklas Bendtner has backed Denmark’s decision to leave Celtic’s Matt O’Riley out of their Euro 2024 squad, citing the higher skill level of the selected players and dismissing the Scottish Premiership as “small.”
Denmark’s Matt O’Riley in action with Northern Ireland’s Isaac Price Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
O’Riley, who was Celtic’s Player and Young Player of the Year last season, played a key role in the club’s domestic double but was not included in Kasper Hjulmand’s squad for the upcoming Euros in Germany.
It wasn’t only Celtic fans who were left amazed at the decision to leave Matt O’Riley, Denmark fans were also left questioning the manager’s decisions.
O’Riley, who has two caps to his name, was left out to make way for more skilled players, claimed Nicklas Bendtner.
As quoted by RecordSport, Bendtner said on his Stolpe ind podcast, “If you look at those who have been selected, they are more skilled. It is always a debate, but if we look at it in black and white. Did he have a chance to play in other games? No. Then there is no reason to take him along. Although he is extremely talented and might be a man for the future, he is a young lad.
“He will probably join the national team. I have no doubt about that. But at this point, it’s just not now.”
Bendtner also suggested the level of the Scottish Premiership and Celtic wouldn’t have helped him make the squad. He said, “Yes, it’s small.”
Some seem to forget that O’Riley shone in Celtic’s Champions League matches, winning Man of the Match awards in the elite competition. He’s playing at a higher level than most teams in England, like some of the clubs interested in him.
