The Republic of Ireland will do battle with Bulgaria in March in a promotion/relegation play-off in the Nations League. Today’s draw at UEFA HQ for the play-off had Ireland with four potential opponents from League C, in a two-legged clash to stay in League B. Ireland avoided Kosovo, Slovakia and Armenia but have been paired with Bulgaria. That’s a tough draw for the Irish side as Bulgaria, despite being at a low ebb, can still pull off results like when they won at home to Northern Ireland in this Nations League campaign, in a league which Northern Ireland won. ​He likes Irish opposition: he scored the only goal of the game when Bulgaria beat Northern Ireland in September and found the net against Shamrock Rovers in the Europa League. They are capable of the solid (1-0 wins over Northern Ireland and Luxembourg and a decent draw away to Serbia) and the shocking (the 5-0 defeat to Northern Ireland last month).

Source: Irish Independent November 22, 2024 14:55 UTC