Knudsen Added to Danish Squad for World Cup Play-Off Sunday, 5th Nov 2017 09:40 Blues defender Jonas Knudsen has been added to the Danish squad for their two-legged World Cup play-off against David McGoldrick’s Republic of Ireland during the international break. Knudsen comes into the squad as a replacement for Brentford’s Henrik Dalsgaard, who has suffered a knock. The first game is at the Parken Stadium, Copenhagen on Saturday 11th November and the second match at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin on Tuesday 14th November. The 25-year-old has previously won two caps, both of them while he was with Esbjerg fB prior to joining the Blues in the summer of 2015, although has has been involved in squads during his time with Town. His most recent international call-up came a year ago, again as a late replacement following an injury. Speaking last month, Knudsen said he was hoping to be involved in the play-off and then the finals in Russia next summer. “It is going to be two tough games for us. I have already spoken with Didzy [McGoldrick] about it and he thinks the same for his country," he said. “Ireland have a lot of good players and we are at home in the first game so we have to get a good result in that game because the Irish have a good record in Dublin. “I’m a little bit disappointed that I [haven't recently been] in the squad but I just have to crack on and play well for Ipswich. I haven’t spoken to the Danish manager but my main job is over here and that is what matters most. "If I had played badly and didn’t deserve to be called up I would accept it but I feel disappointed that I have not had a chance. “Hopefully, I will get a chance in the future — maybe even for the two games against Ireland, you never know. The Irish play a style of football I am familiar with in England and the Danish manager might think he needs someone like me. “We’ll see but I’m looking forward to it and even if I’m not involved as a member of the squad I will be excited when I watch on television because I know so many of the guys who will be playing. “It will be difficult for Denmark but if we can hit our level in the home game, with the fans behind us, we have a chance. The fans are always great in Copenhagen — we beat Poland 4-0 there — so we definitely have a chance.
“Riza Durmisi, who plays in Spain for Real Betis, has been playing recently but I heard he might be injured so we’ll see. “The manager phoned me last year to say there were some injuries and he wanted me to join the squad, but I had to tell him I had a knee injury and needed an injection so I wasn’t available. “I haven’t heard from him since then but there has been no fall-out with him. I won’t be calling him to say I think I should be in the squad — I’m not that kind of person and I know I have to earn my place by playing well for Ipswich. If he rings me again, as long as I don’t have an injury, I’ll be ready to go. “I want Denmark to do well and get through to the finals because I will still be looking to be in the squad. It would be fantastic to go and play in the World Cup finals. “We went out in the play-offs the last time so we are looking to win through this time. I wish I could help them because I feel I have something to offer but if I don’t get in the next squad I will be cheering them on and looking to play well enough in the future to earn my place for Russia.” McGoldrick was named in Martin O'Neill's provisional squad for the tie and is likely to be confirmed the final party later today.
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