Mick McCarthy has confirmed that Shane Duffy will captain Ireland for Monday's must-win Euro 2020 qualifying clash with Denmark.

Seamus Coleman is ruled out of the vital encounter through suspension, and Mick McCarthy confirmed that Derry native Duffy would lead the team out.

"Shane is the captain, it was a very easy decision," said McCarthy, speaking at the pre-match press conference.

"He is one of the players in the squad that everyone looks up to.

"Just how he plays the game, I think he gets respect out of people and from his team-mates.

"And without going around screaming and shouting at people, cajoling people, if people are having a tough time, he rallies the troops."

McCarthy believes that Duffy’s performances have already shown his leadership characteristics and the manager expects the Brighton centre-half to lead by example against Denmark.

"He has been important to the team for a long time now, he has been a top, top defender.

"He is one of those guys who blocks things, gets his head on things, one of those guys that you can rely upon."

Aside from leading the side out, the manager stressed the importance of such a player going into a vital game such as the visit of the Danes to Dublin.

"He has that ability to get a goal and is good in both boxes. If it’s a free or a corner kick…big Duffer has always been a threat and still is."

Glenn Whelan backed up his manager’s assessment of the influential defender by saying that no player is more deserving of the accolade in the absence of Coleman.

"Shane deserves it more than anyone, just from his performances," said Whelan. "He is a [already] captain on the pitch."

Duffy said that he was honoured to take on the role for such a vital match but said that he would still be able to play his own game and take the added responsibility in his stride.

"I’m delighted, it’s a huge honour to play let along be captain," said Duffy. "It’s a huge honour for my family, however, I will take it in my stride and won’t let it affect me as."

In team news, the manager confirmed that Darren Randolph is fit and ready to take his place between the posts.

"Thankfully, everyone is okay," said McCarthy. "[Darren is] good to go."

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