"We're not happy but not discouraged either" was the succinct comment by Ireland's non-playing team captain Peter Wright on Ireland's 3-2 defeat by Denmark in the Euro African Group Two Davis Cup tie in Skagen yesterday.

Staunch resistance by Owen Casey and Scott Barron in the wake of the disastrous opening days singles, denied the Danes the prospect of inflicting a humiliating whitewash on Wright's battling team.

But Kenneth Carlsen, ranked 94 in the world, lived up to what was expected of him and proved to be the main difference between the teams.

"We had to beat Carlsen in the singles if we were going to win the tie. He was their key player," said Wright.

But there was little doubt in Wright's mind that he had three players in Casey, Barron and John Doran "who are better players than Denmark's number two and world junior champion Kristian Pless."

Wright defends his decision to play Doran instead of Barron on the opening day "John is the top ranked player we have on the ATP computer. He had also been playing on the circuit and deserved his chance," he said.

"Scott proved the fine player he is subsequently in the tie but he had been out of competitive since earlier in the year due to injury. I agree had I played Barron it could possibly have worked out. Who is to say, but you have to go with what you have." The doubles victory in four sets for Casey and Barron over Carlsen and Frederik Fetterlein constituted a superb effort. "It's the best I have ever seen them play in doubles," said Wright.

That win pulled the deficit back to 1-2 and Barron was called up to replace Doran who was reported to have sustained a shoulder in jury. Barron was again impressive if giving Carlsen a few presents. "Scott played quality tennis but gave a little bit too much away," said Wright. Carlsen often made him play the extra shot before winning the point.

Doubles - Barron and Casey bt Carlsen and Fetterlein 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. Reverse Singles - Carlsen bt S Barron 6-2, 7-5, 7-5; Casey bt Pless 6-1, 3-6, 6-4.