But cocky Danes ‘won’t need penalties’

DAVID MEYLER has fuelled the flames of tonight’s win-orbust World Cup face-off at Aviva Stadium by claiming Denmark’s players lack the necessary desire to reach the finals in Russia.

Meyler, who is adamant the Republic of Ireland will secure a return to the finals for the first time since 2002, said: ‘They [Denmark] are a very good team, very good players, but they don’t have the character and the heart and the desire that we have,’

‘I believe in the manager, I believe in the players, I believe in all the backroom staff. I believe in everyone and I believe we will go to the World Cup,’ stated the strapping midfielder.

Denmark may be fearful they blew their chance in Copenhagen on Saturday when all their huffing and puffing couldn’t blow the Irish house down. Should the tie continue to remain scoreless for a further 120 minutes tonight, penalties will decide Europe’s final qualifier for the World Cup.

Ireland manager Martin O’Neill confirmed his players have been practising spot kicks, unlike the Danes.

‘We don’t need them. We will just try to attack Ireland and score a goal,’ said Denmark boss Age Hareide.

He was later asked if this approach was because he was superstitious or because he feels Denmark won’t need

penalties. ‘Both,’ he said. ‘I am superstitious, and we don’t need them.’ Predictably, Hareide hit back at Meyler’s challenging assertion of the Irish carrying the greater desire. ‘My thought is that he doesn’t know these players. With a quote like that then he doesn’t know players,’ he said with a hint of irritation. ‘When we started I didn’t know the players myself, but I know them now and most of them are spread out across with Europe, with great experience,’ he said. ‘They don’t get that far if they don’t have the heart and bravery to play, but football also includes skill and experience of adapting to different cultures. I hope they show that tomorrow.’ It remains to be seen if Meyler’s mind games succeed but it’s clear the Irish are rattling the Danish cage following Thomas Delaney’s admission that playing Ireland was akin to opening a tin of beans in bare hands. ‘We’re not going to lie there and let Denmark roll us over,’ countered O’Neill. Seekng to follow Jack Charlton as the only Irish manager to reach successive finals, O’Neill has urged the players to seize their moment. ‘I think the players here want to create their own history,’ he said. Some players, such as Robbie Brady and Jeff Hendrick, have had quiet campaigns by the highs of the Euro 2016 standards. Is this the time for them to step forward? ‘I don’t know if it’s “the time” but it will need big performances — all those boys who forged great reputations in the Euros know that.’