Jeff Hendrick and Stephen Ward have been confirmed fit by Irish manager Martin O’Neill for Saturday’s vital play-off clash against Denmark.
The pair were absent from training on Tuesday, but will be now expected to start the game as anticipation builds over who will make O’Neill’s starting XI. David Meyler is suspended for the first-leg, whilst Seamus Coleman, James McCarthy and Jon Walters all miss out through injury.
Ireland will be looking to get a positive result in Copenhagen to take home for Tuesday’s clash in the Aviva. “We’ll have great support behind us. We are a high energy team. We’ll go and try and get the right result and play on the front foot,” assistant manager Roy Keane said in a press conference from Ireland’s training base.
“This is what we’re in the game for. We’re focused, we’ll be ready and the players will give everything for the country. “The most important thing for the country and the players is to get through the next few games. A lot of hard work ahead,” Keane added.
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Robbie Brady and James McClean will be expected to provide Ireland’s attacking threat on Saturday. But all eyes will be on who Martin O’Neill to see who he opts to play as his striker. Daryl Murphy impressed against Moldova and Wales whilst Shane Long is currently going through a barren spell in front of goal. It will be a matter of whether O’Neill goes for pace and directness or power and strength on the day.
Christian Eriksen will be the man Ireland will look to stop. He scored eight goals in qualifying and has been in exceptional form for Tottenham Hotspur this year. Pione Sisto is a pacy, direct forward who could cause the Ireland defence real problems. Denmark will look at these two as their best scoring chance.
Victory over the two legs will see Ireland qualify to the World Cup finals for the first time in 16 years. Although Denmark go into the game as favourites, Keane relishes the challenge and described the prospect of qualification as ‘fantastic’ for the players.
The game will be shown on both RTÉ2 and Sky Sports with kick-off at 7:45. Denmark approach Saturday priced at 3/4, while underdogs Ireland are sitting at 9/2 (Paddy Power).
