The prospect of Ireland’s Euro 2020 play-off against Slovakia taking place behind closed doors in Bratislava appears to have moved a step closer.

FORMER Chelsea coach Avram Grant has met the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) to discuss the vacant post of national manager but is unlikely to be appointed because of salary demands.

IRELAND’S World Cup rivals Bulgaria have sacked embattled coach Plamen Markov, meaning that the national side will be under new management when they visit Dublin in March of next year.

Plamen Markov has been sacked as Bulgaria coach, the Bulgarian Football Union confirmed on Tuesday.

Terry Venables has been approached to become the next manager of Bulgaria.