Matt O'Riley builds Celtic momentum ahead of Rangers as he reflects on 'crazy' Denmark debut

Celtic star Matt O’Riley is flying for Sunday’s clash with Rangers after an unforgettable debut for Denmark.

The playmaker returned to Glasgow to prepare for the trip to Ibrox with a treasured souvenir shirt to put up in his house and backing from his new coach Jesper Sorensen to burst his way into the nation’s senior squad for World Cup 2022 in Qatar.

O’Riley was full of pride with his family in attendance as he made a first Danes Under-21 appearance from the bench in their draw with Belgium.

The Parkhead ace has made a huge impression on his coaches and colleagues during an opening week with the squad having pledged his allegiance.

O’Riley slotted perfectly onto the scene speaking the language and booming out the national anthem before making his bow with 20 minutes to go at the MCH Arena in Herning, home of Celtic ’s Champions League conquerors FC Midtylland.

It’s a night he’ll never forget as he said: “It was my first match, so I will definitely have to take the jersey home and hang it in my room.

“It’s something I’ll remember all my life. Now I am only 21 years old, so maybe there will be a senior international team match, which I can also look back on.

“It was also cool to hear the national anthem. There were probably not that many at the stadium, but it was still good. Maybe one day I can do it in a bigger stadium, it would be totally wild.

“I sang along to the national anthem. There are probably some things that I do not know perfectly, so it’s also something I have to learn.

“I do not want to be the one on the national team who does not bother to speak Danish, so I’ll do my best.

“When I go home to Scotland, I also speak Danish with my mother. My grandmother is also coming soon, so I will also speak Danish