How Ireland's players rated in playoff victory sealing comeback win against Bulgaria
Adam Idah came off the bench to score the winning goal for Ireland against Bulgaria. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile
Goalkeeper’s first act was to pick the ball out of his net and he did not make a routine save until nearing the hour mark. Very little action across both ties yet still conceded twice.
Got forward frequently but then sent in a couple of wayward crosses. Still, this window has been a decent return to form considering that on his previous appearance at Lansdowne Road some home fans booed him. 6
Making his first start, an early header was close and he had a second attempt hooked off the line. Unable to react quick enough as Valentin Antov was allowed to score but a good outing from a player improving rapidly at Everton.
Stretched right leg could not make a clean enough block to stop the initial shot leading to the opening goal. Captain also gave away possession far too casually on two separate occasions.
The veteran provided a couple of good deliveries but he looked less energetic here compared to Thursday and was substituted in the 65th minute. As dependable as ever after all these years.
Shown a cheap yellow card for a shirt pull late in the opening period. Shot wide when may have been better to pass early in the second half but his starting spot looks to be secure going forward.
Booked for a shirt pull approaching the break - though it was less egregious than Johnston’s offence. Tidy on the ball and had plenty of touches before coming off late on without really shining.
Neat, like his central midfield partner, but too often took the safe option rather than showing a bit more bravery by advancing forward. He was also fortunate to escape a booking late on for a clear hack.
Less impactful in the first half but more involved after the intermission and drove an effort wide as Ireland tried to build up a head of steam before playing a one-two for Ferguson’s strike.
Subdued start and his inclusion seemed to upset the balance that worked well in Plovdiv. But then he provided the vital equalising goal with a clinical finish. Needs minutes to rebuild his confidence. This should have helped.
Ireland’s most lively performer before coming off midway through the second half with an issue to his right leg. Watched an early shot come off a post, though the offside flag later went up, and had a glancing header narrowly over.
Adam Idah (for Johnston, 65) Took his finish well to seal the tie - 6; Mark Sykes (for Parrott, 66) Good hold up play before crossing for Idah - 6. Ryan Manning (for Brady, 66) Harshly dropped to the bench after first leg efforts - 5. Jimmy Dunne (for Ferguson 74) and Jack Taylor (for Knight, 82) - Not on long enough to be rated.
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