Eriksen out to be a great
Irish to rebuild
CHRISTIAN Eriksen wants to take the World Cup by storm and establish himself as one of the best players on the planet.
The Tottenham midfielder’s stunning hat-trick in Dublin shattered the Republic of Ireland’s hopes of making it to Russia next summer.
His role in Denmark’s crushing 5-1 win confirmed he is set to be a major player at the finals.
“If I take this game to the tournament, then yes, I’ll definitely light up the World Cup,” he said. “The last tournament eight years ago passed me by so I badly want to be there.”
Eriksson, 25, would love to carry on where he left off at the Aviva Stadium in Saturday’s derby against Arsenal but right now he is wallowing in a result he claims eclipses Spurs’ Champions League win over Real Madrid.
And he credits Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, who sent him a congratulatory text within minutes of MARTIN O’NEILL says the Republic of Ireland need a major rebuilding job after their World Cup humiliation by Denmark.
Manager O’Neill, right, said: “We need to start again.”
Key players such as John O’Shea, Glen Whelan, Jon Walters, Wes Hoolahan and Daryl Murphy are set to quit Tuesday’s final whistle, for his career development.
“My career has been going upwards,” he said. “The success we have had at Spurs over the last few seasons has helped me a lot and that is what you want to take into the game.”
Fellow Dane Nicklas Bendtner, the former Gunners striker, believes if Eriksen can maintain his form for several years, he will deserve to be compared to players such as Lionel Messi and Neymar.
“It is about making that special moment happen and Christian is doing it more and more. That is what takes you to the next level,” said Bendtner.
“Can you compare him with Messi or Neymar? One has won five Ballon D’Ors and the other could win five before he retires.
“Christian has done amazingly his year and if he keeps going the same way, then you can start comparing him with the greatest.” international football, leaving a big hole. “We need now to think about younger elements and how to blood them through,” said O’Neill, 65, who wants to usher in the new era. He and assistant Roy Keane have verbally agreed new contracts with the FA of Ireland but have yet to put pen to paper.