Duff returns for Bulgaria clash

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.

English-based dangermen Dimitar Berbatov, Martin Petrov and Valeri Bojinov, who all missed the 1-1 draw in Dublin at the end of March through injury, were included, along with former Charlton defender Radostin Kishishev.

Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni made three changes to the side which drew 1-1 in Italy, two of them enforced, as the injured Paul McShane and Kevin Doyle made way, with Aiden McGeady having to make do with a seat on the bench.

Preston defender Sean St Ledger and Hull striker Caleb Folan were handed first competitive starts for their country, while Damien Duff returned from injury in place of Andy Keogh.

Bulgaria: Ivankov, Milanov, Stoyanov, Tomasic, Kishishev, Angelov, Stiliyan Petrov, Telkiyski, Berbatov, Martin Petrov, Bojinov.

Subs: Mihailov, Todorov, Dimitrov, Topuzakov, Domovchiyski, Makriev, Georgiev.

Republic of Ireland: Given, O’Shea, St. Ledger, Dunne, Kilbane, Duff, Whelan, Andrews, Hunt, Keane, Folan.

Subs: Henderson, McGeady, Miller, Kelly, Best, Keogh, Nolan.

Referee: Claus Bo Larsen (Denmark)