Chido Obi’s stock is on the rise.(Image: James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images.)Denmark manager Brian Riemer has confirmed he will not fast-track Manchester United youngster Chido Obi into the national team’s senior squad.
Obi has recently graduated to the first-team fold at Old Trafford, making the substitutes bench for each of United’s last three matches. He made his debut as a late substitute in the 1-0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur almost a fortnight ago.
The youngster, who joined United from Arsenal last year, was omitted from the Under-18s’ squad for their FA Youth Cup quarter-final triumph over the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night amid his services being required for the first-team’s FA Cup clash with Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The 17-year-old striker is considered as one of the most exciting players emerging from United’s academy and is being tipped to enjoy a bright future. However, on the international stage, he qualifies to play for both Denmark and Nigeria, meaning his international future is yet to be clarified. He has also represented England at Under-16s level.
Currently playing for Denmark’s Under-18s, the Danes could be forgiven for attempting to get him tied down as quickly as possible. However, Riemer has confirmed they must “do it the right way” and not rush his development.
“Can I start by saying that I really think we’re telling a fantastic story here,” said Riemer, as quoted by Tipsbladet.
“Think about how many times we’ve sat with a Danish national team and said: ‘We’re short of players, when will we get some strikers?’
“We have so many young players, some of them may be just young enough to break through, but it’s great that we have so many knocking on the door, I think that’s important to say.
“Chido is a player who has played for our Under-18 national team, so if anything, it’s gone even stronger, so I think you have to say that in order to follow the right business procedures, we have to make sure we do it the right way.”
Riemer’s comments echo the thoughts of the Danish Football Union’s talent manager, Kenneth Heiner-Møller, who said back in December: “I hope that Chido will play for the Danish national team. But I can guarantee you that he will never, ever be selected for the senior team only with the aim of tying him to Denmark.”