It seems that Newcastle United only had eyes for Matt O’Riley when they sent a scout to Tuesday’s u-21 clash between Denmark and Croatia.
The Celtic midfielder opened the scoring for the Danes with a header but was substituted midway through the second half before Croatia fought back to win on penalties.
O’Riley’s development over the course of this year has been rapid with a title winners medal and Champions League experience on his CV as he chases a place in the Danish World Cup squad.
At some stage it seems inevitable that he will leave Celtic but with a contract running until 2026 there is no rush to accept an offer with the midfielder an essential part of Ange Postecoglou’s plans.
Covering the speculation about O’Riley, Football Scotland reports:
We told earlier this afternoon how, according to a Danish TV station, a staggering 39 clubs sent scouts to the game to take in the two young sides battling it out, including Rangers. The likes of Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Manchester City had representatives at the game but the Magpies were keeping a close eye on Celtic’s talent.
Over the next five weeks O’Riley has four Champions League fixtures to help Celtic into the knock out phase- and showcase his own ability to other clubs and Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand.