Kasper:Eriksenshowedheisworldclass

KASPER SCHMEICHEL hailed Denmark team-mate Christian Eriksen as world class after watching him destroy Republic of Ireland to send his country to the World Cup finals.

The Tottenham midfielder scored a stunning hat-trick in Dublin to shatter Irish dreams of making it to Russia next summer as the Danes erased memories of a frustrating goalless draw in the first leg of the play-off with a 5-1 triumph at the Aviva Stadium.

Asked about his team-mate, Leicester keeper Schmeichel said: “World class – that’s the only way to describe him.

“It’s been a long time coming for Denmark. We missed out on the last two tournaments so we’re very happy and proud.” Danish manager Age Hareide had been bullish ahead of the second leg, correctly predicting Ireland would have to open up and that his side would get chances as a result.

They won comprehensively and the Norwegian, who played with Martin O’Neill at Manchester City and Norwich, can now look forward to testing himself on the biggest stage of all. Asked how his team might fare next summer, he said with a smile: “I haven’t thought about that at the moment. I’m only pleased we have qualified.

“In football things change quickly. We have to have all our players fit.

“On our best days we can play good football but we know when you go to the World Cup you also meet very strong opposition.”