Bendtner: You’ve bean warned

LEAVING Parken Stadium, Denmark’s Thomas Delaney suggested playing Ireland was “like opening a can of baked beans with bare hands”.

But if Denmark made a meal of their scoring opportunities in Saturday’s 0-0 draw, they have vowed to bring the tin opener with them to Dublin tomorrow night.

Nicklas Bendtner, for one, is bullish about their chances and warned Martin O’Neill and his dogged players that Denmark have more gears to find.

The loudest cheer in Copenhagen on Saturday was for the former Arsenal and Sunderland striker when he came on with 15 minutes to play, having come in from the cold.

And Bendtner (right), who was the top scorer in the Norwegian league this season with Rosenborg, could start at Aviva Stadium.

“I think it will be a different match and we can play better,” he said, having struggled against Ireland’s ugly but effective defensive display.

“The pitch was disappointing and made it difficult for both teams. Our normal passing game, one or two touch, couldn’t really come off.

“But I’ve heard the pitch in Ireland is excellent so I suppose we can play better.

“And Ireland know they can’t play another match where they have to stay so deep. They know they have to come out and try to score.

“They can’t play a game of that importance for 0-0. It’s not possible. So I think it’s going to be a little bit more open, which will allow us more space.”

Neutrals watching this game must have wondered what either of these teams will offer a World Cup.

Ireland’s antifootball approach and Denmark’s bluster and general lack of cutting edge ensured it made dire viewing.