Into the Lion’s den

NEVER mind playing the world champions on their own turf – Bulgaria in Sofia tomorrow will be the toughest game yet of Ireland’s World Cup campaign.

That’s the unequivocal view of Ireland assistant manager Liam Brady – and he should know, having played for his country in the Vassil Levski Stadium on three occasions and just about lived to tell a tale of bruising physical battles, narrow defeats and dodgy refereeing decisions.

That was then and this is now, of course, but the venue – named after a 19th century revolutionary whose surname means ‘lion’ – will be every bit as intimidating here tomorrow night and the challenge for the visitors all the greater, if for no other reason than that cornered animal is often the most dangerous.