Matt O'Riley on Celtic transfer motivation as Denmark call sets his masterplan in motion

In-form Matt O'Riley has revealed improving his international prospects was a big factor in choosing to move to Celtic.

The midfielder was tracked by several clubs ahead of moving to the Scottish Premiership from MK Dons, with Swansea and West Brom among the chasing pack.

After talks with Ange Postecoglou he opted for Parkhead, and has admitted that he hoped the move to Celtic would kick-start his international ambitions.

O'Riley has been capped by England at youth level, and he is also eligible to play for Norway, but Denmark have made their move.

He is in line for his first Under-21 appearance for the Danes against Belgium and will hope to catch the eye of senior squad manager Kasper Hjulmand.

O'Riley told Tipsbladet : "The switch to Celtic was a step up and I have managed to play continuously there, which Jesper Sorensen (Denmark under-21 boss) has looked at.

"When I switched to Celtic, I knew there was a greater chance of playing for the national team.

"When I heard about the interest from Denmark, I thought it was cool. I had a really good gut feeling that this is the right thing for me.

"It has previously been a difficult question for me when I was born and raised in England, but on the other hand, my mother is Danish.

"I have family there, and I really like the country, so right now I lean most towards Denmark."