Martin O'Neill wants more creativity from Republic of Ireland after battling to draw in Denmark

Martin O’Neill says Republic of Ireland's 0- 0 draw with Denmark was tough but he was proud of the way his players performed

Martin O'Neill has called on the Republic of Ireland's creative players to send them to the World Cup after they held Denmark to a 0-0 draw in their play-off first leg.

The Republic frustrated Denmark in Copenhagen, with Darren Randolph putting in a man-of-the-match performance in goal for the visitors.

The draw makes Tuesday's return leg a one-match shootout for a spot in Russia, and Ireland will be looking to make home advantage count, live on Sky Sports Football.

O'Neill praised his side for a battling draw on Saturday night, but says they must do more up front if they are to clinch victory in Dublin.

Highlights of the World Cup play-off first leg between Denmark and Republic of Ireland

"I thought it was a tough evening for us and the players did splendidly. They put a lot of effort in and it's all to play for now," O'Neill told Sky Sports after the match.

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"We have to win a game. And I think we have to score a couple of goals because Denmark are capable of scoring too.

"I'm not so sure they had so many chances. Darren has been playing particularly well for us, but overall we restricted them, though we need to be more creative ourselves.

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"We didn't score a goal obviously, but we're still in the tie."

Once again, Ireland put in a battling performance on the road, and they have now gone more than two years since losing an away match.

Harry Arter says a draw must be seen as a positive following Republic of Ireland's 0-0 draw with Denmark in their World Cup play-off first leg

"I think that speaks volumes," O'Neill added. "We've gone through six matches away from home and not got beaten. But Tuesday night is a different matter."

"[An away goal] would have been great, but we didn't carve out that many chances, so we can't say we could have got something."

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