Shane Duffy has targeted the World Cup – after becoming a Premier League killjoy.

The Republic of Ireland defender is delighted with his “big and ugly” double act alongside Lewis Dunk at the back for Albion.

Now he wants to help his country to Russia by beating Denmark in a two-leg qualification play-off.

The sides meet in Copenhagen tonight and in Dublin on Tuesday.

Duffy said: “It’s so hard not to think about the World Cup. You’re so close but you’re not there yet.

“It’s a tough draw. They are a good team. Eriksen has hit a bit of form at the right time for his country.

“We’ll got there, at least try and stay in the game, try and get a win out there and bring it back to Dublin.

“Everyone knows it’s a tough place to come against Ireland. It’s not going to be pretty for them.

“I don’t think they are overly excited to play us because they know it’s a tough game and we’re not overjoyed we’ve got them because we know they are a good team.

“It’s going to be a tight affair over both legs. Hopefully we just do enough.”

The Argus:

Duffy reckons all the same principles apply to Albion as his partnership with Dunk earns rave reviews.

He said: “It is just clicking at the minute.

“I think strikers are not really enjoying playing against us. We are big and ugly!

“It’s going well but we can’t get too ahead of ourselves.

“We have only played 11 games in this top league and we have got a lot ahead of us.”

Albion do not return to league action until a week on Monday when Stoke visit.

Duffy said: “That’s better for me but only if I play the games. I don’t take my place for granted.

“If I play the games it gives me another extra couple of days’ recovery.”