Former Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley has found himself omitted from Brian Riemer’s Denmark squad for the latest international break, with the 24-year-old still waiting for his breakthrough at Brighton & Hove Albion.
O’Riley, who made the move to the Premier League in August for a Celtic club record fee, has struggled to secure consistent game time at Brighton and has now missed out on a place in the Danish national team alongside his former Celtic teammate, Kasper Schmeichel.
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A Tough Start at Brighton
O’Riley’s move to Brighton was initially seen as a great opportunity for his development, but things have not gone according to plan with an injury on his Seagulls debut. The former Celtic star has made just 14 appearances for Brighton so far this season, with the majority of his time spent on the bench. Under head coach Fabian Hürzeler, O’Riley has found it difficult to break into a highly competitive midfield, with the Seagulls currently sitting 7th in the Premier League.
While he was a regular starter at Celtic, where his performances in the Scottish Premiership and European competitions earned him praise, O’Riley has not been able to find that same consistency at Brighton. His lack of first-team action has now seen him miss out on a call-up to the Denmark squad, with Riemer opting for other players ahead of him.
No Game Time in Recent Wins
O’Riley’s absence from Brighton’s recent matches has highlighted his struggles. He was missing from the squad for both the 2-1 Premier League win over Fulham at the Falmer Stadium last Saturday and the 2-1 FA Cup victory over Newcastle at St. James’ Park. With his future at Brighton uncertain, O’Riley will be hoping for a chance to prove himself in the coming weeks.
Kasper Schmeichel’s Continued Success at Celtic
In stark contrast, Schmeichel, who joined Celtic in July, has been a consistent presence in goal for the Hoops. The experienced Danish goalkeeper has started all but one competitive match for Celtic this season, with his performances proving vital to the team’s success. Schmeichel’s leadership and ability to make crucial saves, including his penalty stop in the Premier Sports Cup final penalty shootout win against Rangers, have solidified his place as the best goalkeeper in Scotland.
Schmeichel’s Extended Stay at Celtic
Recognising Schmeichel’s impact, Celtic extended his contract in January, extending his stay at the club until the end of the 2025/26 season. His 19 clean sheets so far in the Scottish Premiership highlight his continued importance to the team, while O’Riley is left to reflect on his own challenges at Brighton.
22nd February 2025; Easter Road, Edinburgh, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Hibernian versus Celtic; Kasper Schmeichel of Celtic saves from a Kieron Bowie of Hibernian header
The Road Ahead for O’Riley
For O’Riley, his future is uncertain at Brighton. While his time at Celtic showed his unbelievable potential, the Premier League move has yet to live up to expectations. With his absence from Denmark’s squad, O’Riley will be hoping to find a way back into the Brighton starting XI and reignite his international career. As for Schmeichel, his continued success at Celtic serves as a reminder of the rewards that can come with hard work and consistency, from a sensational summer signing on a free transfer.
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