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While neither side found the net on the night the performance was enough to see Ireland manager Martin O\u2019Neill claim his first point in the competition as they put in a hard-working spirited performance against an in-form Denmark side. <\/p>\nWhile neither side found the net on the night the performance was enough to see Ireland manager Martin O\u2019Neill claim his first point in the competition as they put in a hard-working spirited performance against an in-form Denmark side. <\/p>\n
Ireland went into the match with the welcome return of James McClean, who had been sidelined in the defeat to Wales due to injury. Matt Doherty also made his first start for the Republic of Ireland.<\/p>\n
Ireland set the early momentum with having the best of the early exchanges, James McClean sent in a threatening cross in to the Denmark area for it to be just too high over Shane Long\u2019s head. <\/p>\n
Jeff Hendrick curled an effort wide after finding himself one on one with Kasper Schmeichel despite protests of a stop in play. <\/p>\n
Ireland continued to press looking most threatening from free kicks, however no Irish player could get that vital final touch. The first real chance of note for Denmark fell to Pione Sisto but his effort was well wide of the mark. <\/p>\n
Denmark\u2019s best chance of the first half fell when a short corner routine was sent into the back post which was met on the volley by Kasper Dolberg but he couldn\u2019t keep his effort on target. <\/p>\n
Ireland were next on hand when Jeff Hendrik sent in a teasing free-kick into the area, after Shane Long was felled, Shane Duffy rose highest however his effort went wide of the goal. <\/p>\n
Pione Sisto struck the post after cutting inside and curled a great effort that had Randolph beaten, but was denied by the woodwork. <\/p>\n
A cagey second half saw Denmark\u2019s Pione Sisto look threatening once again, however his effort went well over the bar as Ireland struggled to get a foothold in the game. <\/p>\n
Denmark went close again as Simon Kjaer\u2019s goal-bound effort was cleared off the line brilliantly by Harry Arter. <\/p>\n
Ireland then had a fantastic opportunity to go ahead when Shane Long laid the ball off to Cyrus Christie whose effort had to be well saved by Kasper Schmeichel. <\/p>\n
Darren Randolph was twice called into action in quick succession with Martin Braithwaite and Thomas Delaney both having attempts on goal but neither were a real test to the Irish custodian.<\/p>\n
While both sides will rue missed chances Martin O\u2019Neill will take great comfort from tonight’s performance to take into next Tuesday\u2019s match against Wales. <\/p>\n