DENMARK v IRELAND

ALL week Kasper Schmeichel has been reminded of the boozy night Roy Keane headbutted his dad Peter when they were Manchester United team-mates.

But the Leicester City star last night refused to put the boot into the legendary Irish player ahead of Denmark’s World Cup play-off first leg with the Republic of Ireland.

Rather, Schmeichel put Keane on a pedestal and feels the passion he showed as a player will radiate through the Irish team at Parken Stadium.

Weighing up the loaded question, a grinning Schmeichel said: “My memories of Roy Keane are of him holding trophies and being an inspirational leader and captain for United.

“I think Roy is a typical Irishman, a unique character. I’ve played with a lot of Irish players and I very much enjoy their attitude and approach to life.

“They are serious about their work but they also like to have fun. I’m sure we’ll see Roy Keane’s on-pitch persona in this Irish team.”

As the seeded team, Denmark are favourites to reach the World Cup but Schmeichel suggested that tag does not necessarily sit easy with tonight’s hosts.

They are bidding to reach a first World

Cup since South

Africa in 2010, where they failed to get out of their group.

“We’re confident in our own abilities,” he said. “But when it comes to playoff games, we were favourites against Sweden two years ago ( for Euro 2016) and everyone saw how that ended.

“It’s a very difficult one to call because it’s two very different type of teams but I’m still confident that we’ll get through.

“I’ve never played at a major tournament and it’s definitely something I want to experience. “This is a major chance for everyone in the squad. We’ve missed out the last two times and it’s no secret that it won’t be enjoyable sat at home watching on TV.”

Manager Age Hareide has seen his injury concerns ease with Feyenoord striker Nicolai Jorgensen passed fit despite fracturing his wrist at the weekend. He is braced for a tight game here in the Danish capital and is wary of Ireland’s never-say-die approach to defending having studied the Wales game in depth.

Hareide said: “The Irish are easy to read and difficult to beat but we are ready to have a good go at it.

“Their gameplan is easy. Their style of play doesn’t change much from game to game but the way they stick together and with their team spirit, it works well together.”

Hareide is expecting a physical approach from Martin O’neill’s side so he will have no issue with whatever comes their way.

“The referee will control that part of the game,” said the Norwegian. “We know they are physical but they are not dirty.

“They challenge for the ball and that’s allowed in football and we know that. We have to handle everything.”

And while Hareide would love to kill the tie off tonight, he won’t lose sleep if it’s all to play for in Dublin on Tuesday.

Asked if he would accept a draw, he said: “As long as they don’t score goals. 0-0 would be okay and then there’s 120 minutes to get an away goal over there.

“But we’re not speculating on that because every time we walk out in this stadium, we want to win.”.

“We know what we’re capable of if we play our best and that’s the only way we’re looking at it.”