CLARK: PROUD NIGHT

IRELAND’S captain for the night, Ciaran Clark, made no apologies for the turgid affair against Denmark.

With a home leg to come on Tuesday, the Newcastle United defender insisted the fancy stuff can wait till then after a war of attrition in Copenhagen.

In the midst of their defensive masterclass to keep Christian Eriksen at bay, Clark even could have nicked a winner from one of the several set-pieces delivered by Robbie Brady.

He couldn’t complain much, however, after being part of a defence that kept their third straight clean sheet.

“It was all about coming out here and getting the right result no matter how we played,” admitted the 28-year-old (inset).

“We knew there was a job to be done out here and we’ve done it. We limited Denmark to just a couple of chances. “It was a great defensive performance from the whole team.” As is O’neill’s tradition, he only named the starting line-up 90 minutes before the game, affording Clark the captaincy for the first time in the campaign. “It was a very proud night for me and my family,” said Clark, whose father is from Donegal.