Bulgaria boss Stanimir Stolinov sent his big guns into battle with the Republic of Ireland as he looked to rekindle hopes of World Cup qualification.

BULGARIA overcame the absence of star striker Dimitar Berbatov and reignited their hopes of World Cup qualification with a hard-fought win over Cyprus in Sofia to claim their first victory in Group Eight yesterday.

Aiden McGeady handed the Republic of Ireland a major boost when he was declared fit for tonight’s World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria.

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

BULGARIA’S new coach Hristo Stoichkov has recalled defender Radostin Kishishev for their friendly against Ireland on August 18 at Lansdowne Road.

ITALY coach Giovanni Trapattoni praised the performance of his players and prepared for a night of video-watching as his side bowed out of Euro 2004.

CHRISTIAN VIERI’S rant at the Italian media on Sunday was misdirected.

Bulgaria 0 Denmark 2

Bulgaria boss Plamen Markov today received a treble fitness boost on the eve of his team’s Euro 2004 opener against Sweden at Estadio Jose Alvalade tomorrow.

Bulgaria hope to have good news over their three injury worries ahead of Monday’s Euro 2004 opener against Sweden in Lisbon.

LIVERPOOL surged into the last 16 of the UEFA Cup with the sort of rewarding display which will lift the pressure from manager Gerard Houllier.

LIVERPOOL'S maligned stars gave Gerard Houllier the lifeline he so desperately needed on a night when anything but a convincing victory would have given further ammunition to his detractors.

UEFA Cup latest:

UEFA Cup latest:

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