This evening two Celtic teammates will go head-to-head for their countries. Stephen Welsh and Matt O’Riley will find themselves on opposing sides of the pitch in what will surely be a first for them outside of training at Lennoxtown.
Centre-back Welsh enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2020-21 and was the only shining light from an otherwise forgettable campaign during our Ten-in-a-row season. The youngster went from strength to strength in the Celtic shirt and has been dreadfully unlucky not to see more minutes this past season.
However, he should not despair as he is highly regarded by manager Ange Postecoglou. The Greek-Aussie put the blockers on a potential move to the glamour of Serie A with our former European counterparts Udinese. With plenty of football ahead in the coming season and the need for centre-halves on the agenda this summer, Welsh will be able to play his part.
Likewise, Matt O’Riley will see more than his fair share of game time, having been seen as the natural successor to the imperious Tom Rogic. The Aussie leaves a big gap in the Celtic team which will be a challenge for Matt to try and rectify with his guile and craft. His arrival from MK Dons in January has been a revelation in the midfield alongside Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate.
Now the two young Celtic players will be able to test themselves against one another in a competitive match for their respective nations’. Stephen will have the honour and responsibility of captaining Scott Gemmill’s side tonight in Denmark, whilst Matt will line up alongside the promising Danes team – which includes former Bhoys target Mohamed Daramy.
Here are the line-ups for tonight:
#SCO21s | Your Scotland Men’s Under-21s team to face Denmark at 5pm, live on @BBCScotland.
Good luck lads 💪#YoungTeam pic.twitter.com/Rkz2mTxw0J
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) June 10, 2022
🇩🇰 Denmark’s starting lineup vs. Scotland. [U21]
🕕 Kick-off at 18.00.#ForDanmark pic.twitter.com/VXCGefOw6r
— Danish Football ⚽ (@Danish_Footy) June 10, 2022
🇩🇰 Denmark 0-1 Scotland 🏴
What a goal Stephen Kelly!!!
Just as we approach HT Kelly puts Scotland ahead with this incredible finish 🎯⚽pic.twitter.com/xQqC50UaUL
— Everything Scotland 🏴 (@AboutScotlandd) June 10, 2022
Paul Gillespie
Father's Day Special – Get the Tom Rogic Invincible t-shirt free when you order a copy of Invincible from https://t.co/6afJhW5IS5 – just tell us your size. Posted straight away. @Boola_vogue @cfcliamk96 pic.twitter.com/HccUNCUTub
— The Celtic Star Editor (@CelticStarMag) June 10, 2022
