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Ireland's preparations continue as World Cup playoff game draws near

Ireland's preparations continue as World Cup playoff game draws near

Jeff Hendrick remains the main focus as the Republic of Ireland continue their preparations for the World Cup playoff against Denmark.

The Burnley midfielder was sent for a scan on a glute injury yesterday, but manager Martin O'Neil is optimistic he will be fit to line out in Copenhagen on Saturday.

It is hoped Stephen Ward will return to training, having sat out yesterday's session due to a knee injury.

Meanwhile, former Republic of Ireland manager Eoin Hand says the Boys in Green are more than capable of getting a result this weekend.

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Speaking to WLR's Matt Keane at the launch of his new book in Dublin, he said Ireland can get a result if they play it safe and that Ireland's qualifier win over Wales will have given them confidence.

The injury news for Denmark appears to be more positive.

Captain Simon Kjaer was taken off in Sevilla's 2-1 defeat to Barcelona at the weekend with a suspected hamstring injury.

But the ever-present defender insists he's not worried about potentially missing the Ireland games.

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Danish head coach Åge Hareide is also confident that Nicolai Jorgensen can play some part against Ireland.

The striker fractured his wrist while playing for Feyenoord at the weekend, but has joined up with the squad and is confident in his ability to play according to Hareide.

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