- Kasper Schmeichel looks ahead to Denmark's World Cup Play-Off first leg
- Denmark host the Republic of Ireland at Parken Stadion in Copenhagen on Saturday
- The Leicester City goalkeeper expects the ROI to pose a considerable threat
- The hosts must approach the fixture with confidence, Schmeichel says
De Rød-Hvide welcome Martin O’Neill’s side to Copenhagen as marginal favourites after winning six of their 10 European Group E qualifiers over the past 14 months.
However, the ROI, who also finished as Group D runners-up, go into the first leg riding the crest of a wave created by a decisive 1-0 victory last month over Wales in Cardiff.
“We are confident in our own abilities,” said the City stopper, previewing the clash with the media at Parken Stadion on Friday afternoon.
“We were probably favourites in our last Play-Off game [a 4-3 aggregate UEFA EURO 2016 qualifier defeat by Sweden] and we saw how that went, but we are confident in our own abilities.
“I’ve never played in a major tournament so that is definitely something I want to experience.
“It’s a major chance for every single player in the squad. We’ve missed out the last two times and it is no secret that it hasn’t been enjoyable watching it on TV in the summer.”
Schmeichel, Denmark’s 2017 Player of the Year, picked out O’Neill’s assistant, Roy Keane, as a factor for his side to be wary of during the fixture (7:45pm kick-off).
“My childhood memories of Roy are mostly of him holding trophies,” the 31-year-old added, looking back at Keane’s haul of seven Premier League medals as a player at Manchester United.
“He was an inspirational leader and captain of United. He is a typical Irishman with a unique character. I have always enjoyed playing with Irish players and their attitude to life.
“They like to have fun but are serious about work. I am sure we will see Roy Keane’s on-pitch persona in the team on Saturday.”
On Saturday, young City striker Admiral Muskwe could also earn his second cap for Zimbabwe against Namibia.
You can find out how both Schmeichel and Muskwe fare on LCFC.com.