"She watches every match I play for Celtic," Matt O'Riley

Danish magazine Tipsbladet spoke to Celtic star Matt O´Riley, who is a part of Denmark´s squad ahead of the upcoming two matches against Slovenia and Northern Ireland.

Matt O’Riley of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s opening goal during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Hearts and Celtic FC at Tynecastle on October 22, 2023 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The outstanding Celtic midfielder shared his thoughts on being a part of the Denmark squad, just as he also mentioned that he is ready to take the next step in his career.

Here´s a summary of what Matt O’Riley had to say to Danish magazine Tipsbladet.

* My sick grandma loves to read about me
* I think I´m ready for the next step
* The absence of Christian Eriksen could increase my chances of getting my debut for Denmark

Matt O’Riley of Celtic controls the ball during the Celtic vs St Mirren Cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park on May 20, 2023 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Matt O’Riley – My sick grandma loves to read about me

“I try not to think too much about it, but my 85-year-old grandmother really likes reading about it, and she watches every match I play for Celtic.

“She has been to the stadium, but she watches most games on TV because she lives in Horsens. She’s crazy enough – she’s on Twitter every single day, just scrolling, scrolling, scrolling. That’s why she’s still alive, I think.

“She doesn’t have much time left, so it would be significant if I make my debut while she’s still alive. I hope I get to play while she can still see it.”

Celtic’s Danish midfielder #33 Matthew O’Riley and Lazio’s Albanian defender #23 Elseid Hisaj vie for the ball during the UEFA Champions League group E football match between Celtic and Lazio at Celtic Park stadium in Glasgow, Scotland on October 4, 2023. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Matt O’Riley – I think I´m ready for the next step

“I have played in the Champions League against many good teams, and I feel I am ready (to take the next step), but I am already playing for a good team. It’s hard to say what is going to happen.”

O’Riley, McGregor and Taylor will all start today

Matt O’Riley – The absence of Christian Eriksen could increase my chances of getting my debut for Denmark

“I’m a quiet type who doesn’t go around talking much, but on the training ground, I can show a bit more. It has been easy to integrate into the team, and I have talked to most of the players.”

“Before the San Marino game, Hjulmand showed me a bit about the tactics, so I know how I should play if I get on the field. I’m sure we need to have more conversations.

“I can play as a 6, 8, or 10. Christian Eriksen is not with us, and he is the player with the most quality. Maybe it increases my chance of getting playing time, but at the same time, we have many good midfielders.”