Republic of Ireland midfielder Sean St Ledger has praised Sweden's Zlatan Ibrahimovic ahead of Friday's World Cup qualifier in Stockholm.

Ireland have the chance to leapfrog their opponents in Group C if they pick up their third win of the campaign.

However, St Ledger is aware that Paris Saint-Germain striker Ibrahimovic can put a serious dent in their qualification hopes.

"I have played against a few decent strikers in my time. He is up there," the 28-year-old told reporters. "He's a very, very good striker. He can win games by himself with magic moments.

"Obviously, he's a very good player - you can't take that away from him. You give him the respect he deserves and then you just try to play your normal game."

Ibrahimovic has scored 39 goals in 86 appearances for his country.