MASTERMIND ERIK

MARTIN O’NEILL believes Ireland’s World Cup hopes hinge on stopping “mastermind” Christian Eriksen from running riot.

The Tottenham star is Denmark’s talisman and will be tasked with dumping O’Neill’s men out of the play-offs.

Eriksen scored eight of the Dane’s 20 goals in qualifying and he has also bagged three in the Premier League this term.

O’Neill said: “Eriksen has masterminded nearly all the proceedings. He popped up with their most important goals.

“He is playing out of his skin for club and country. We have to be careful as Denmark are formidable opponents.”