Denmark issue Republic of Ireland a warning over Christian Eriksen's absence
Friday 12 October 2018 20:53, UK
Denmark boss Age Hareide has warned the Republic of Ireland not to be fooled by Christian Eriksen's absence as they attempt to rekindle their Nations League campaign.
Republic of Ireland are bottom of their group following a 4-1 defeat by Wales in Cardiff in September, and on Saturday they play a Denmark side which enjoyed a successful night on their last visit to Dublin.
Denmark sealed a World Cup place in November last year thanks to a 5-1 victory with star man Eriksen scoring a hat-trick, but they return without him because of an abdominal injury.
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Hareide said: "He's a good player, there's no doubt about that, he's an important player for us. But we haven't focused that much on him being away.
"It's important to focus on the players we have and on the team we have. We just have to try to fill that role, or play in a little bit different way without him.
"We have shown that we have a lot of good players in Denmark and the team is working for each other, know each other, so I don't think that missing Christian will be any kind of excuse after the game.
Denmark will run out at the Aviva Stadium boasting an enviable record in competitive matches. Aside from their World Cup exit on penalties in the last 16 at the hands of eventual beaten finalists Croatia, they are 20 games unbeaten.
Hareide added: "If we win tomorrow, we are definitely looking to top the group, that's for sure - but we know the difficulties. Games against Wales and Ireland will be even matches and we are aware of that.
"That's our attitude. We know it's going to be tough and tight, and this is also a chance for the Irish team to be a part of the race for the top, so we expect a tough game."
