Swedish coach hails strike force

Lars Lagerback believes Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrik Larsson are a supreme pairing.

The strike duo are ready to be unleashed against Republic of Ireland in a friendly tie at Lansdowne Road on Wednesday night, and will also have their sights firmly trained on the World Cup finals where they will face England.

With Ibrahimovic at Juventus and Larsson at Barcelona, Sweden are currently represented in the frontlines of both the Spanish and Italian champions.

Such quality will be of paramount concern to Ireland boss Steve Staunton, as well as Sven Goran Eriksson in the summer, and Lagerback says his strike force are ready to secure themselves a place in Swedish history.

"I think that we have, looking at the forwards in Sweden, probably one of the best we've ever had," Lagerback told Sky Sports News.

"Henrik and Zlatan, if they are in good shape, are among the best pairing in the world but how to rank them is difficult."

Whilst Ibrahimovic plays a starring role for Juve the ageing Larsson is restricted to a more marginal role at Camp Nou, but the younger of the duo also believes that they are a combination to be feared.

The former Ajax man is also looking forward to pitting his wits against Ireland as he has little experience of the playing style embodied by Staunton's men - as well as their English neighbours.

"I think we're a good couple, we combine well, know each other very well and we have played very good together," said Ibrahimovic.

"What I know about Ireland and England, they are physically strong and they like to play aggressive I think.

"But I don't have so good experience playing against Premier League and English teams, it's a new thing for me."

Sweden will be using the game at Lansdowne Road as crucial preparation for when they face The Three Lions in Germany, but Lagerback insists he is still undecided over a number of places in his final squad.

"I can't plan so long away, ahead for the World Cup I don't have the faintest idea what the starting XI will be," Lagerback added.

"We are looking at possibilities in this game.

"I would guess many of the players starting tomorrow will start in the first game of the World Cup but to be honest I don't know."