Denmark centre-back Simon Kjaer has been branded a ‘hero’ for his actions after team-mate Christian Eriksen collapsed during his side’s 1-0 defeat to Finland on Saturday afternoon.

The Inter Milan playmaker fell to the floor in the closing stages of the first half at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, with medics spotted attempting to resuscitate the 29-year-old as he lay motionless on the pitch.

The match was quickly suspended, with both sets of players heading down the tunnel in distress.

Eriksen then left the pitch on a stretcher and was pictured with his eyes open and his arm in the air as he was transported to hospital.

It was promptly revealed by UEFA and the Danish Football Union that he had been stabilised and was awake, with the match resuming at 7.30pm upon the request of both teams.

Finland eventually sealed a narrow 1-0 victory thanks to Joel Pohjanpalo’s second-half strike, which was their only attempt of the entire contest.

Although the medical staff will deservedly receive the plaudits for helping Eriksen to emerge from the incident, it was Kjaer’s contribution that gained the attention of many onlookers.

The 32-year-old ran towards the midfielder upon seeing him collapse to the ground, before stabilising him on his back and clearing his airways.

Kjaer then began to resuscitate Eriksen as he waited for the medics to arrive, with his crucial intervention potentially stopping the situation from reaching a tragic conclusion.

As the medical staff went to work, the defender was seen comforting Eriksen’s partner, Sabrina Kvist Jensen, who had raced to the side of the pitch.

Kjaer was widely praised for his efforts on social media, with viewers in awe of his quick reactions and ability to deal with the situation effectively in the heat of the moment.