ERIKSEN: EVEN BETTER THAN REAL THING..

CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN says dumping Ireland out of the World Cup would be even sweeter than when Tottenham stuffed Real Madrid.

The Danes will look to their talisman to spark in Dublin tomorrow after he failed to light up Saturday’s 0-0 draw in Copenhagen.

Spurs star Eriksen was awarded man-of-thematch by a team sponsor but everyone in the ground – including the midfielder himself – looked surprised.

He started well but flattered to deceive, particularly in the second-half when he was largely anonymous.

Ireland refused to man-mark the attacking midfielder but Harry

Arter was often the closest player to him and kept him quiet.

Yet Eriksen insists he is up for the fight, knowing that one away goal will leave Martin O’neill’s team with it all to do, as they are anything but a prolific side.

Denmark boss Age Hareide suggested as much immediately after Saturday’s 0-0 draw and is convinced one goal could be enough.

Eriksen claims a win in Dublin would mean more to him than Spurs’ 3-1 Champions League win over Madrid. “Yes, it would,” he said. “It would mean a lot for me personally and for the country. Getting your country to a World Cup is one of the biggest things you can do.”

And Eriksen is champing at the bit for a second chance to shine against Ireland, insisting he is the big player for the big occasion.

“Every player wants to send their country to a World Cup as it’s the biggest thing you can achieve,” he said while admitting that Ireland rarely allowed him the space to be creative.

But he has no qualms with Ireland’s tactics, adding: “They were the away team and they wanted to stop us from scoring.

“I can’t blame them. We could have played better but I will try to take my chances.

“I tried that in Copenhagen but the last pass generally wasn’t good enough.”

While it wasn’t pretty, Eriksen saluted Ireland for the way they dragged the Danes down to their level, smothering and stifling them with fierce defending.

“I know it will be a tough game,” he said.

“Ireland have played the same style through all of qualification so I don’t think it’ll change that much tomorrow.

“They might be a bit more adventurous with the fans at their back, but I don’t think it will change too much.

“They will be scared of us scoring a goal because that would be a big hit for them.

“The first goal is very important but it could take time.

“We have to take on that pressure.”