Sanchez reserves praise for his defence

Lawrie Sanchez saluted his Northern Ireland side after they secured a point against Denmark in the Euro 2008 qualifier.

The result came on the back of a splendid victory against Spain and the Province are making progress. Denmark came into the match hot favourites but had to settle for a 0-0 draw at the Parken, leaving the home fans frustrated.

Northern Ireland boss Sanchez said: "I'm very pleased we managed to chalk up a clean sheet after conceding five goals in the first two games. Goalkeeper Maik Taylor and the back four can take great credit, but the midfielders and strikers also showed their defensive qualities."

He added: "We knew Denmark are a very good side and the rankings show that. They are a very good side technically and they were always going to have a lot of the ball.

"We set out to frustrate them and restrict them to long-range shots.

"It was a good game for a nil-nil and on our day we're not a bad side as Spain found out. We worked very hard and that was the key."

Denmark had the majority of the possession but failed to build on their victory against Iceland.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen was forced to come off in the second half, clutching his shoulder, and his fitness will be monitored on Monday.

Burnley defender Michael Duff will sit out the game against Latvia on Wednesday after picking up his second booking of the campaign. Sanchez was annoyed that Duff was cautioned and also felt the referee Konrad Paultz was wrong to give six minutes of stoppage time.

Sanchez said: "Duff is out of the match and the booking was slightly harsh. When six minutes of stoppage time came up I was not surprised at all. Sometimes when you are a small nation you're not afforded the courtesies of some of the bigger teams."