THE Irish squad arrived in Sofia last night with assistant manager Liam Brady describing Paul McShane as the visitors’ biggest injury doubt ahead of tomorrow night’s World Cup clash with Bulgaria.

MANCHESTER UNITED star Dimitar Berbatov was among 17 overseas-based players named by Bulgaria coach Stanimir Stoilov yesterday in his squad for next month’s World Cup Group Eight qualifier against Ireland.

IN THE week leading up to Saturday night’s game at Croke Park, there had been mixed signals coming from Bulgarian coach Stanimir Stoilov.

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni absolved Kevin Kilbane of any blame for the own goal which cost his side two vital World Cup points.

Republic of Ireland 1 Bulgaria 0

Republic of Ireland 1 Bulgaria 0

BULGARIAN coach Stanomir Stoilov believes, that with just three points from their opening three games of the campaign, his team can say goodbye to the World Cup if they lose to the Republic of Ireland at Croke Park tonight.

The coach of Bulgaria, Stanimir Stoilov, has confirmed that Dimitar Berbatov is in Manchester and will not play in their World Cup qualifier against Ireland tomorrow.

REPUBLIC of Ireland internationals Shay Given and Aiden McGeady are nursing injuries ahead of Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria but assistant manager Marco Tardelli has expressed confidence that both will be fit for the game.

BULGARIAN manager Stanimir Stoilov has recalled several experienced internationals for the crucial World Cup qualifiers against Ireland and Cyprus.

THE Republic of Ireland have jumped three places to 26th in the latest world rankings which were released by FIFA yesterday. Giovanni Trapattoni’s side continued their march up the ranking table after the 2-1 victory over Georgia in the FIFA World Cup group 8 qualifier last month.