Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand feels the September break is not the right time to try new players, so Celtic star Matt O’Riley has a better shot of making the World Cup in the U21s.
De Rod-Hvide meet Croatia and France in the UEFA Nations League on September 22 and 25. The ties are also their final fixtures before the World Cup in Qatar this November and December. But Hjulmand is determined to focus on the here and now, and not the future.
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Denmark are top of their Nations League table with a two point advantage over Croatia in League A Group 1 after the first four games. So, Hjulmand feels securing a spot in the finals is more important than thinking about Group D in Qatar with France, Australia and Tunisia.
Denmark boss Hjulmand explains O’Riley snub and Celtic star’s World Cup chances
O’Riley had hoped to earn a first senior international call-up for Denmark’s Nations League games so that the Celtic ace could show Hjulmand what he can offer at the World Cup. The 21-year-old has so far only had caps at U21 level, after outings for England’s U16 and U18s.
His Denmark U21 debut also only came this March under Jesper Sorensen, before notching a maiden start, assist and goal over three ties in June. All of which came after the London-born central technician moved to Parkhead from MK Dons this January in a £1.5m transfer.
Yet Hjulmand is confident that O’Riley would benefit more from another round of matches at U21 level, as they will offer the Celtic star a chance to demonstrate his World Cup claim.
“There is no time to look at anyone,” Hjulmand stated, via the Daily Record. “We have to win the games – we’re in a group final, and it’s all about winning. The moment an U21 player is [ready] to play such a match, he is selected with us for the senior national team.
“So, Matt O’Riley was not in play for this match. And it makes much better sense for Matt – and his chances of making it to the World Cup – that he plays a good game for the U21s against Croatia.
“So, it’s about playing time and it’s about doing the best for the players and the senior team. But if we think we can use him with us, then that’s what we’ll do because Jesper Sorensen is fantastic to work with on that front.”
O’Riley made an instant impact after joining Celtic in the mid-season sales with four goals and two assists in 20 games. The midfielder has continued to show Hjulmand he can give Denmark a creative presence at the World Cup this term with five assists in seven games.
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