Buoyant Swedes head for Belfast

Sweden coach Lars Lagerbäck has underlined his "respect" for Northern Ireland's superb run of form in UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying which has taken them to second place after five matches in Group F. However, leaders Sweden have played just four, won them all, and approach Wednesday's game in Belfast riding a wave of confidence.

'Good chance'
"What manager Lawrie Sanchez has done with Northern Ireland is no mean feat," Lagerbäck told journalists at Arsenal FC's London Colney training ground, where his side have been preparing for the match. "We respect that, but if we stick to our plan and play the way we've played so far then there is no doubt we are in with a good chance." The 58-year-old is a master of understatement. Despite Northern Ireland's 4-1 victory in Liechtenstein on Saturday, Sweden remain favourites to maintain their 100 per cent start in Group F.

'Solid side'
That winning streak has included successes against Latvia, Liechtenstein, Spain and Iceland, although having won three of their last four matches, Northern Ireland have emerged as contenders themselves. "I saw them against Liechtenstein, and they won without really impressing," Lagerbäck continued with a slightly back-handed compliment. "They're a solid side - they work as a team and have an impressive resolve. That is probably their biggest strength."

Healy treat
The green army expected at Windsor Park on Wednesday might disagree. With seven goals in five games, including a hat-trick against Spain, David Healy's presence is a big advantage too. He added another three-goal haul at the weekend yet Lagerbäck believes his back line will have the measure of the Leeds United AFC man: "He seems to pop up wherever there is a sniff of a chance, but he's not that pacy. We've got good defenders who should be able to handle him"

Ibrahimović return
Sweden could pack a punch in attack too with Zlatan Ibrahimović returning from the international wilderness, and likely to partner Johan Elmander. "Zlatan is an enormously talented player. He'd probably be a prized addition to any team in the world," said Lagerbäck, who is gunning for just one result against the Northern Irish. "We are going for the win. We have a strong side, and even though they are well organised, I'm sure we can come up with a result."