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Martin O'Neill dismisses description of Republic of Ireland as 'primitive'

 during the International Friendly match between the Republic of Ireland and The United States at Aviva Stadium on June 2, 2018 in Dublin, Ireland.
Image: Martin O'Neill hit back at suggestions his side are 'primitive'

Martin O'Neill has dismissed criticism of the Republic of Ireland's style of play, after Denmark midfielder Thomas Delaney accused them of being "primitive".

Delaney's comments came after he saw his side held to a 0-0 draw in Dublin on Saturday in the two sides' Nations League clash.

However, O'Neill hit back at the Borussia Dortmund player, saying: "It's not long ago that Denmark were considered a primitive side. Sometimes it's quite easy to make those sort of remarks.

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"Denmark, who did exceptionally well in the World Cup, eventually didn't cause us many problems and they can play pretty primitively too - the centre forward, who's 6'7", (Andreas) Cornelius, who didn't play in the game - they're a strong, physical side.

"If you asked teams around Europe, they'll say (Christian) Eriksen, world class, Delaney's a top-quality player, little (Pione) Sisto plays in a big league as well in Spain.

"But they can dish it out themselves if necessary. They're as physical a side as you'll see in European football, so I wouldn't concern myself about other remarks."

during the UEFA Nations League B Group Four match between Ireland and Denmark at Aviva Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Dublin, Ireland.
Image: Thomas Delaney played in Denmark's 0-0 draw in Dublin last week

Ireland's goalless draw with Denmark left them needing at least one win from their remaining two matches to avoid relegation from League B of the Nations League.

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They play Wales at home on Tuesday - live on Sky Sports - with the visitors missing key players, including Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey.

However, O'Neill is not taking a win for granted, saying: "They'll be able to fill positions, as they did when they got to the semi-finals in the Euros a couple of years ago.

 during the International Friendly match between Wales and Spain on October 11, 2018 in Cardiff, United Kingdom.
Image: Aaron Ramsey is missing Wales' trip to Dublin for family reasons

"Gareth Bale is a truly world-class player who can turn games and it's great to have that at your disposal. He can win matches just by going past two or three players.

"But Wales are well-equipped with other players in their side, as they've shown in the last couple of years."

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