Brentford's Andreas Bjelland faces a big few days as he hopes to inspire Denmark to the World Cup in Russia when they face Ireland in the play-offs.

The centre back is the only one of the Bee's four Danish players on their books in the squad with Henrik Dalsgaard forced to withdraw through injury. Lasse Vibe and Justin Shaibu are not included in the squad.

Ireland manager Martin O'Neill omitted Bjelland's defensive partner John Egan from the Ireland squad after giving him his debut earlier this year.

For Brentford head coach Dean Smith, though, he has to sit on the fence, especially given the fact his wife is Irish.

He said: “I've got three Danish internationals who are playing in my team and I've got an Irish wife so I'm sitting on the fence, that's for sure.

Andreas Bjelland

“I'm between a rock and a hard place. My in-laws would be on to me if I had any other way.”

Indeed the banter has been flowing amongst the squad, especially when Brentford travelled to Preston and played in their green away kit.

Smith added: “There has been a few going around to be honest, especially when we wear our green away kit as some say the Danish boys are getting ready to play for Ireland.

“There's been a bit of banter going around but it's very friendly.”

Vibe's injury earlier this season precluded him from being involved against Ireland but the idea of having a World Cup place to play for for the rest of the season would be huge for him, especially with the Danes needing to take a minimum of 10 points their final four qualifying games.

Lasse Vibe

He reflected: “That would be massive. We were so far away. We needed at least 10 points from the last four games. It'll be massive. It'll be tough against Ireland but we'll see.”

And he and Egan could well be watching the second leg together, no doubt exchanging banter throughout the 90 minutes.

He quipped: “We're both sitting in front of the TV. We probably should watch it together! I think as we're off he might be away for the first leg. We'll take the second one. We'll watch that together.”