France boss Didier Deschamps praises Republic of Ireland's 'top-level' experience

Didier Deschamps refuses to fall into the trap of complacency ahead of France taking on the Republic of Ireland on Sunday.

The hosts of Euro 2016 entertain Martin O'Neill's team in Lyon with many expecting France to comfortably book their spot in the quarter-finals.

The Irish reached the knock-out stages with a 1-0 victory over Group E winners Italy who rested the majority of their better players.

But Deschamps, a World Cup and European Championship winner with France in 1998 and 2000 respectively, is certainly not underestimating the Republic of Ireland.

The French coach said of Ireland: "They've got a lot of heart, they work hard, but it's not just that.

"The large majority of them play in the Premier League, they are used to playing against the top English sides.

The large majority of them play in the Premier League. They are used to playing against the top English sides.

"There are lots of good footballers like (Glenn) Whelan, (Jeff) Hendrick, (Wes) Hoolahan if he plays, (Robbie) Brady, (James) McCarthy, Shane Long. They know what top-level football is all about."

And goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is also giving their next opponents plenty of credit: "If I'm honest, I don't think we are over-confident at all. We have a lot of respect for the Republic of Ireland.

"We have been able to watch them on video. A part from the second half against Belgium, they have shown a lot of good stuff against Sweden and especially against Italy.

"They are perhaps even a little bit more excited because they went through in the last few minutes against Italy. They are where they are. I think they are very motivated but we will be up for it too."