Seamus Coleman slapped loose talking Danish stars down to size by insisting he would rather impress Irish fans than opposing players.
Tonight’s clash in Parken Stadium is the fifth competitive game in 19 months between Ireland and Denmark and the sides are sick of the sight of each other.
Want-away Tottenham ace Christian Eriksen and Thomas Delaney of Borussia Dortmund have both slammed Ireland’s negative tactics in that time.
The Boys in Green have been accused of being primitive in their approach, scared to attack and were labelled the most ‘annoying’ team in international football.
But skipper Coleman insists the jibes will only motivate Ireland and said: “You’ve people back home watching and you’ve got fans coming over.
“We’re more worried about impressing them than impressing Denmark players. It’s never nice to hear other players speaking down about your team.
“But it can also be a bit of motivation. It wouldn’t be my thing to come out and speak bad of other players.
“If that’s their way of doing it, if that’s their tactic, it can be a great motivation for the boys if that’s the case. There’s massive pride in wearing that jersey.”
But Coleman added: “There’s been a massive deal made out of Denmark v Ireland games for some reason.
“I know the World Cup qualification game was massive for the country and it didn't go well but since then, they haven't been exciting games.
“We're playing for our country and regardless of who we play, we give our all and that’ll be the same tonight.”
But Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel insists the Danes have the utmost respect for Ireland.
“I don't know of any verbal sniping, it's news to me, I would never say anything disrespectful towards fellow professionals,” said the Leicester City man.
“Football is a game where there’s no right or wrong way of playing, everyone has their style, we have ours, Ireland have theirs.
“Theirs is no more correct than ours so I don't know the comments but I can't imagine there being any disrespect at all.”
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