Larsson bids to put one over his Black Cats pals

Swedish winger Sebastian Larsson will have no time for friendship in tomorrow night’s World Cup qualifier against Ireland.

Larsson could have three of his Sunderland team-mates, John O’Shea, James McClean and Keiren Westwood, lining out against him but he is out to break their hearts as both countries battle to reach World Cup 2014 in Brazil.

“There has been just a little bit of talk about it between ourselves,” Larsson said.

“But not that much really as we have had our hands full with Sunderland’s games. But we’ve mentioned it a few times and it will be nice to play against some of your team-mates.

“I think we are both chasing the top spot and that’s what we are going to try and do. Realistically Germany are massive favourites to take that top spot.

“This is a massive game for both teams. We’ve both had a fairly decent start to the campaign and for us to be at home if we can beat Ireland we’re right in the mix.”

Larsson has played in two European Championships, but has yet to grace a World Cup finals and added: “It would be a dream to play in it, of course, and we’ve got a good chance of getting there and we’ve got to try and grab it with both hands. It’s the biggest tournament you could be involved in so it would be very good.”