Northern Ireland: Improvement on the ball next step for Michael O'Neill's side after Denmark loss

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill wants to see his side enjoy more of the ball in Tuesday night's friendly against Iceland in Belfast.

They defended resolutely for long periods of Saturday's 2-1 defeat by Denmark in Copenhagen but ultimately were undone by Christian Eriksen's 67th-minute winner.

An own goal from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg had given the visitors the lead after only five minutes, but Denmark equalised through their first shot on target when Gustav Isaksen curled in a fine effort in first-half stoppage time.

While Northern Ireland have had some strong results without the majority of the ball during O'Neill's second spell in charge, the former Stoke manager believes doing more in possession will be the next step for his side.

"We were never going to be a dominant possession-based team against any of these teams," said O'Neill after Denmark had more than 70% possession on Saturday.

"We're asking players who play their football at a League One or Championship level to go out against players who play their football in the top five leagues in Europe. There is a difference in terms of the level that the players play their football.

"I thought the way we have to try and close that gap is to be what we are, a team that's well organised, well structured, difficult to beat, can frustrate the opposition, but obviously carry a threat as well."

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