Two games that will define O’Neill’s contribution to Irish football

If I come away from the studios tonight having enjoyed the game in Copenhagen, I will be surprised if our last match in Cardiff has proved to be the template — although a repeat of the same result would certainly be very welcome.

Martin O’Neill’s tactics in stopping Wales were not something I could admire even if the winning of the game was something I could enjoy. I had hoped we could reach these play-offs by playing a positive and creative kind of football but, frankly, I was probably naïve to think that. We all appreciate the determination, commitment and never-say-die spirit that is characteristic of this Irish team and I expect to see more of that tonight against Denmark.

But, with the teams pretty evenly matched, whether that will be good enough to get us to Russia is uncertain.