Conor Hourihane highlights Ireland's Premier class as Kenny contemplates options

Conor Hourihane reacts after Ireland conceded the first goal during the Nations League B match against Bulgaria in Sofia. Picture: Alex Nicodim/Sportsfile

It wasn't just the 2,500 kilometres of European expanse that separated the two games in League B, Group 4 of the Nations League when they kicked off in Sofia and Helsinki on Thursday evening.

Bulgaria's hosting of the Republic of Ireland at the Vasil Levski National Stadium was a meeting of the pod's put upons. Two sides seeking a new way under new management and with their respective hopes of places at Euro 2020/21 next summer dependent on play-offs to come.