Watch: Shane Duffy's towering header earns Ireland a point in Copenhagen after Hojbjerg opens scoring

Shane Duffy’s towering header five minutes from time earned the Republic of Ireland a point away to Denmark that leaves Mick McCarthy’s side three points clear at the top of Group D.

The Brighton & Hove Albion defender rose highest above Danish centre-back Simon Kjaer to bury his header from substitute Alan Judge’s cross.

Ireland had created relatively few chances against a strong Denmark side but got a slice of luck when Andreas Christensen clumsily took down Judge in a threatening position.

That was all the Ipswich Town midfielder – who replaced Robbie Brady 20 minutes earlier – needed to put the ball on a plate for the big Derryman to aim a downward header past Kasper Schmeichel.

The Danes had deservedly hit the front nine minutes earlier when their own supersub, Southampton’s Pierre Hojbjerg, had netted within three minutes of his introduction.

Age Hareide’s side had looked particularly threatening from wide areas as Ireland squeezed the pitch in an effort to shut down the dangerman Christian Eriksen.

That afforded Jens Stryger-Larsen the space to aim a cross from wide at the left that was perfect for the arriving Hojbjerg to glance into the corner past a helpless Darren Randolph.

Hojbjerg’s was the first goal scored against Ireland since McCarthy resumed the reins, but a point apiece leaves Ireland top of the group ahead of Monday’s meeting with Gibraltar.



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