Repeat of ref’s Windsor blunder would
FOR a nation known for its dark, brooding TV drama, levity lifts the media room at the corner of Copenhagen’s Parken Stadium.
Kasper Schmeichel interjects when a local, once more, raises the potential of Christian Eriksen being man-marked.
Casting a wry glance towards his team-mate, the Leicester man chirrups in his native tongue: “If it was my choice, I’d do it myself !”
His broad shoulders shuffle in amusement, Eriksen throws a smile and avuncular Age Hareide, a manager who has seen it all, does likewise.
Schmeichel, unlike his broody old man, has freely admitted to his boyhood admiration for Republic of Ireland assistant manager Roy Keane, such that he suggests the visitors will unfurl a starting XI honed in his inspirational image.
A team of Roy Keanes would know how to stem the influence of Eriksen, by means fair or foul.
“I have been man-marked a few times,” the Spurs star shrugged. “I don’t know if the Irish will do it. I don’t mind if they do as there is more space for other players. It doesn’t really matter to us.”
Hareide, who pitied Northern Ireland following their handball howler a night earlier, joins Schmeichel in hoping that there is no repeat. He also seems unperturbed by any attacking puzzles the Republic may impose.
“They are an easy team to read but a difficult one to beat,” was