It’s win or bust for Bulgaria at Croker, admits coach Stoilov

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.

“Even a draw would not be much good as we would have to win all our remaining Group Eight qualifying games, home and away. But my players will give everything and will fight to the end,” said Stoilov.

Without injured Manchester United star Dimitar Berbatov and the injured Manchester City pair of Martin Petrov and Valeri Boijonov, Stoilov admits injuries have upset his preparations for this game.

Goalkeeper Georgi Petkov will have a late fitness test — if he is ruled out, then his place will go to Bursapor’s Dimitar Ivankov. Aston Villa’s former Celtic midfielder Stiliyan Petrov will captain the side.

“Early on, we lost too many points in the draws with Montenegro, Italy and Georgia. Now we have to play to win this game and must attack from the first minute. It is not a problem playing in Dublin — but we must go for the three points,” added Stoilov.

That’s why he will probably play a 4-3-3 formation and jokingly said they were waiting for the new Berbatov — “I am afraid he hasn’t landed yet,” joked the coach.

Stoilov was disappointed to learn that Damien Duff had been ruled out of the Irish side.

“Like Berbatov, Duff is good for football and under Giovanni Trapattoni, Ireland are now a strong team, well organised in defence and attack. Trapattoni’s presence has changed something in the way they play and they are good for 90 minutes.

“The Irish team are now a disciplined team on the pitch. That is something Bulgaria must improve. That is why I respect Trapattoni for making the changes.”

DEFENDER Alex Bruce fears for his future at Ipswich after being frozen out of the first-team picture. The 24-year-old Republic of Ireland centre-back, who is out of contract in the summer, rejected a new deal in January and has not featured in boss Jim Magilton’s last three starting line-ups. “I don’t appear to be in the manager’s plans right now, and have worries whether I will between now and the end of the season,” Bruce said. “The manager picks what he feels is his best side, and that is fair enough. But I have been left wondering whether I have a future at Portman Road.”