How Ireland players rated in Nations League comeback win over Bulgaria

Goalscorer Finn Azaz took the man-of-the-match award in the playoff victory.

EASTERN PROMISE:  Ireland's Finn Azaz celebrates scoring his side's first goal with Troy Parrott. Pic: INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Caoimhin Kelleher 

Now established as the number one. Little he could do with Marin Petkov’s early opener for the hosts. Not called into action in the second period as Bulgaria failed to threaten his goal. 6 

Matt Doherty 

Back in the fold after a recent exile. Made it count just before half time with a brave header to put Ireland 2-1 up for his third goal in a green jersey. Backed his claim that he deserved to be in the squad. 7

Dara O'Shea 

Nothing spectacular. But did nothing wrong. Read the game well in central defence. Helped stifle a lacklustre Bulgarian attack after the interval. 7 

Nathan Collins 

Retained the captain's armband. Nearly scored in the first half when narrowly missing Troy Parrott’s centre. But sloppy at times in possession. Still to fully translate his Brentford form into the Irish team on a regular basis. 6

Robbie Brady 

The oldest Irish player in the panel started at left-back. A facial injury just after the interval left the most capped player in the squad bloodied. His delivery of set-pieces was overall poor. 6

Josh Cullen 

Deployed in front of the back four. Brilliantly weighted assist for Doherty’s goal to make it 2-1. Tidy in possession. Didn’t give the ball away in the middle of the park. 7

Jason Knight 

Industrious but not flashy in central midfield. Linked well between defence and attack. Came more into the tie in the second period. Booked on the hour for reacting to Manning being fouled. 6

Mikey Johnston 

Worked hard on the right-wing. Needs to be more involved. Showed flashes of quality. Better after the interval. The West Brom player was somewhat harshly booked on 51. 7

Finn Azaz 

Took the man-of-the-match accolade. Could be the player Ireland have been missing. With double figures this season for Middlesbrough, the attacking midfielder registered his first senior international goal to level the game. Pressed well in the ‘10 position. Booked early in the second half. 7

Ryan Manning 

Not even in the original squad. But selected on the left flank. Had an early header saved. The Southampton player justified his call-up with a solid display. 6

Troy Parrott 

Got the nod as the lone striker. Superb assist to set up Azaz to equalise. Held the ball up well, and ran the channels. But limited goal threat due to lack of service. 6

SUBS: Evan Ferguson (for Parrott 76). Held the ball up well when brought on for the final 14 minutes. Not on long enough to mark.

Jack Taylor (for Azaz 76). A second cap for the Ipswich man. Not on long enough to mark.

Mark Sykes (for Johnston 76). Subbed onto the right side of midfield. Not on long enough to mark.

Roco Vata (for Knight 79). A senior debut for the Watford player. Not on long enough to mark.

Jake O'Brien (for Manning 79). A late cameo for the Everton player who was unlucky not to start. Not on long enough to mark.

SUBS NOT USED: Adam Idah, Jimmy Dunne, Andrew Moran, Sinclair Armstrong, James Abankwah, Gavin Bazunu, Mark Travers.