Ireland will not be at the World Cup next year after being undone by a Christian Eriksen masterclass.The Boys in Green find themselves in esteemed company, joining Italy, the Netherlands, and Chile in missing out on Russia 2018.That will be little consolation to Martin O'Neill and his players, who must have thought Shane Duffy had set them on their way with a header just six minutes in.However, the Irish can rest safe in the knowledge that they were up against a truly world-class talent in Eriksen.All three of the 25-year-old's goals were special in their own right, with a Nicklas Bendtner strike and a Cyrus Christie own goal helping the visitors to a 5-1 victory on the night.It was undoubtedly the Tottenham playmaker's show, and it's been that way throughout the campaign. With 10 goals throughout World Cup qualifying, only Romelu Lukaku (11) has more.That's 14 goals in his last 15 internationals, too. There was a time when Eriksen was thought of as one of the Premier League's most underrated talents, but there are few people left who haven't sat up and taken notice of him yet.

Barton spot on 

Joey Barton's tweet must have summed up how every Ireland fan was feeling:

World-class, undoubtedly. While it's impossible not to feel for Ireland, it would have been cruel in itself to rob Eriksen of a place on the greatest stage in football, which is so clearly where he belongs.

The midfielder has already set records tumbling this season, becoming the highest-scoring Danish player in the Premier League.

Inevitable comparisons with Michael Laudrup were initially a burden to him on international duty, but he now looks ready to carry his team.

Spurs fans will now be hoping Eriksen has saved some of his goals for Saturday lunchtime, when he will be part of the party that travels to the Emirates to take on Arsenal.

How does Eriksen compare with the world's best players? Have your say in the comments.