Republic full of confidence for Dublin clash: Christie

Cyrus Christie has challenged the Republic of Ireland to win the World Cup war against Denmark tomorrow after edging the battle in Copenhagen.

Martin O’Neill’s men left the Parken Stadium on Saturday evening with a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their play-off having survived something of a mauling in the first half.

Opinion is divided on which side holds the advantage as they prepare to meet again at the Aviva Stadium tomorrow night with the Irish hoping the comforts of home will work in their favour, while the Danes are expecting a more progressive approach from their hosts which may leave them space to exploit.

However, Middlesbrough fullback Christie is convinced it was Ireland who emerged with the upper hand and is now backing them to make the most of it.

He said: “It was very tough, but it was tough for Denmark as well. I’m sure they knew they were in for a game and we won the battle.

“We had chances and I don’t think they had too many chances. We kept them quiet and, at the end of the day, we could have won it.

“Now we go back to our home ground and we will be full of confidence. We reassess, we get ready for Tuesday and we can hopefully make it a special night.

“It’s a massive night and hopefully we can rise to the occasion.”

The draw saw the Republic’s unbeaten away run in the campaign stretch to six games, but also served to highlight their comparative difficulties at the Aviva Stadium, where they have managed maximum points only against Georgia and Moldova.

The fact that a score draw will be enough to see the Danes through is a concern for O’Neill and his players.

Ireland’s display in Denmark will have won them few admirers from an aesthetic point of view, but it did confirm their capacity to grind out results when they need them.

Cyrus Christie is convinced Ireland have the upper hand.