Martin O'Neill taking time to think about his position following defeat to Denmark
Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill says he will take some time to think about his position following last night's disappointing World Cup play off defeat to Denmark.
A Christian Erickson hat trick smashed Irish dreams of playing in next summer's finals in Russia, leading his team to a 5-1 victory.
Shane Duffy opened the scoring, but a Cyrus Christie own goal left the Boys in Green chasing the game.
Despite taking an early lead Ireland collapsed under the weight of a number of defensive errors.
O'Neill is expected to stay on having agreed a contract until the 2020 European Championships.
The Republic boss had been criticised for a perceived negative approach in the first leg, but he saw a more expansive approach cost his side dearly on Tuesday after they had taken an early lead.
He said: "I'm really disappointed, obviously, we were well beaten in the end. We got off to a really good start and had a chance maybe to make it 2-0 and we probably needed that.
"But the two goals we conceded in a couple of minutes knocked us for six."
O'Neill and his coaching team have verbally agreed contract extensions with the FAI, with their existing deals effectively expired.
But asked if the result would have any effect on his immediate future, O'Neill said: "Do you know what, I'll have to have a real think about it.
"The disappointment obviously is very, very strong tonight because we haven't been able to do it, but I have to commend the players on getting this far."
Denmark boss Age Hareide said Eriksen is only going to get better. Asked after the game if he could be considered as one of the current best 10 players in world football, coach Hareide said: "Yes, absolutely in the top 10.
"It's difficult to rank, but we saw (in Tottenham's Champions League matches) against Real Madrid he is probably one of the best players in his position in Europe at the moment.
"Ronaldo, Messi and some strikers are playing as forwards. Christian is more a wide man or a central midfield player. He has this capability of scoring goals, making assists, finding space, so, definitely top 10.
"He's in a team now at Tottenham which wants to play football. They play football - we saw against Real Madrid that it suits him very well to play there.
"He has good players to play with, he has a good manager and I think he is enjoying his time at Tottenham at the moment."
