IRELAND are 90 minutes away from avoiding relegation in the Nations League after their play-off first leg win over Bulgaria.
First-half goals from Finn Azaz and Matt Doherty helped the Boys in Green come from a goal down to win 2-1 in Plovdiv.
Heimir Hallgrimsson‘s men had fallen 1-0 down inside just four minutes through a Marin Petkov strike from the edge of the box.
But they responded well, with Azaz equalising with his first senior international goal before Doherty headed home his third.
It puts them in good stead for the second leg which takes place at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday.
And here, SunSport runs you through how each Ireland player performed.
CAOIMHÍN KELLEHER 7
WILL be unhappy with his backline for Marin Petkov’s opener but had little else to do. Composed under pressure with the ball at his feet.
MATT DOHERTY 7
FEW opportunities to break forward but made the most of one with a lovely run and header for his goal. Did well on Bulgarian danger man Kiril Despodov.
DARA O’SHEA 7
NO nonsense performance from the Ipswich Town man after Ireland conceded early as they got on top and got the win.
NATHAN COLLINS 8
ONE very nonchalant pass in his own box that was intercepted aside, Collins was commanding and led by example regularly having words with the referee.
ROBBIE BRADY 8
LOVELY cross that led to Finn Azaz’s goal and worked well with Ryan Manning as many of the best opportunities came from their work on the left.
MIKEY JOHNSTON 7
SAW plenty of the ball and some jinky runs. Won the free kick that indirectly led to Ireland’s equaliser.
JASON KNIGHT 7
WITH Ireland going down the flanks, Knight needed to be disciplined and did a decent job even if there were times Bulgaria passed through the midfield too easily.
JOSH CULLEN 7
SAME as Jason Knight beside him, Cullen had to remain defensive but provided the smart ball for Matt Doherty’s goal.
RYAN MANNING 7
LOST Marin Petkov for Bulgaria’s goal but linked well with Robbie Brady on the left that gave Ireland a nice balance.
FINN AZAZ 8
SELECTED in midfield but practically a striker as he pushed forward and picked up pockets of space. Nice goal and always a threat.
TROY PARROTT 7
ALWAYS alert; every time Ireland won a free kick, he made a run looking for it to be taken quickly. Almost led to a goal for him, while he did grab a good assist.
SUBSTITUTES:
MARK SYKES (for Azaz 75 mins) 6
EVAN FERGUSON (for Parrott 75 mins) 6
JACK TAYLOR (for Johnston 75 mins) 6
JAKE O’BRIEN (for Manning 80 mins) 6
ROCCO VATA (for Knight 80 mins) 6
