Swedes must ensure Aviva fans silenced, says Larsson

Few nations visiting the rebuilt Lansdowne Road have been greeted by a raucous atmosphere but Seb Larsson admitted last night that Sweden’s ambitions of getting a result may hinge on quietening the home crowd.

With the FAI confirming only 500 tickets remain for the World Cup qualifier, Ireland will enjoy the rare fillip of a full-house backing their quest to sweep clear of the Swedes and Austria in the chase for a play-off spot.

Larsson, a Sunderland teammate of Ireland’s John O’Shea and James McClean, sees his Swedish side producing an improvement in performance from the scoreless draw against Ireland in Stockholm last March.