Football
Mark Ogden, Senior Writer, ESPN FC 6y

Christian Eriksen is biggest danger to Republic of Ireland - Kevin Kilbane

Christian Eriksen is the greatest threat to Republic of Ireland's hopes of qualifying for the World Cup, former midfielder Kevin Kilbane has told ESPN FC, with the Denmark playmaker being handed greater licence to hurt opponents by coach Age Hareide.

Denmark host Ireland in Copenhagen's Parken Stadium in the World Cup playoff first leg on Saturday, with the return game in Dublin on Tuesday.

Denmark legend Peter Schmeichel claimed last week that he would take Tottenham star Eriksen over Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar "all day long" after watching his countryman impress during the Champions League win against Real Madrid at Wembley.

Eriksen has become one of the key figures for Spurs and Kilbane, who won 110 caps for Ireland during a 14-year international career, says that his new role with Denmark makes him the big danger for Martin O'Neill's side.

"Denmark are not just about Christian Eriksen," Kilbane said. "We've seen recently at Chelsea how impressive Andreas Christensen has been this season, but obviously, Eriksen is the player most likely to hurt Ireland over the two legs.

"I was speaking to Jan Molby [former Denmark and Liverpool midfielder] recently and he told me that Eriksen's role has changed under Age Hareide and he now plays in a more advanced position than under the previous coach.

"Back then, Eriksen would drop deep and pick up the ball from the centre-halves, but he has now been handed the freedom to play much further forward and he has more influence in the final third. That's where he is at his most dangerous, so Ireland will have to work out how to stop him getting on the ball in those areas."

While Eriksen is Denmark's biggest threat, Kilbane believes that West Brom winger James McClean will be Ireland's key player.

"James has really stepped up for Ireland recently and he has been outstanding," Kilbane said. "He scored the goal against Wales in Cardiff which got us into the playoffs and he seems to have taken his game to another level on the international stage. If James can perform like he has done recently, then Ireland have a great chance."

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