'Ball was there to be won' - Sunderland's Liam Bridcutt defends horror tackle while playing for Scotland

The Sunderland midfielder, currently on loan at Leeds United, was heavily criticised by the Danish camp in the aftermath of the game following the tackle on Celtic’s Erik Sviatchenko.

Bridcutt was only booked for the challenge and he insists he is always fair when he goes in for tackles.

"It was a heavy tackle, but the ball was there to be won," said Bridcutt.

"Everyone who knows me knows I go in hard and fair.

"I go in 100 per cent with tackles and I go in fair.

"That’s the player I am."

Denmark boss Age Hareide claimed Bridcutt could have ended the career of substitute Sviatchenko, while the defender also slammed the Scotland midfielder claiming the lunge in the international friendly could have broken his leg

Meanwhile, Bridcutt - deemed surplus to requirements at the Stadium of Light by both Dick Advocaat and Sam Allardyce this season - was delighted to win a second cap for his country.

"It was a tough game against a very good side," Bridcutt said.

"It wasn’t our best performance - we know that, but we know it was something to build on.

"I’m buzzing to have got my second cap and to be back in international football.

"I was speaking to a few of the lads who were here when I first made my debut.

"After making my debut I had a bad run with injuries and a few personal things – reasons off the pitch.

"But now I’m back fit, playing week-in, week-out and showing people that I’m back to my old ways."