Selection dilemmas as Republic of Ireland look to bounce back against Bulgaria

Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side play in Plovdiv on Thursday evening with decisions to make at both ends of the pitch.

Published 3 hours ago

The Republic of Ireland face Bulgaria in a two-legged Nations League promotion/relegation play-off starting on Thursday.

Here, the PA news agency picks out some of the main talking points ahead of the opening meeting in Plovdiv.

Bouncing back

Republic of Ireland players applauds following their 5-0 defeat against England in November — The Republic of Ireland were heavily beaten at Wembley (Bradley Collyer/PA)

Bigger picture

Staving off relegation to League C is the immediate objective but Hallgrimsson’s ultimate aim is to lead Ireland to next year’s World Cup. Ireland have not appeared at the tournament since 2002 and have often fallen out of contention early in qualifying campaigns. Back-to-back meetings with Bulgaria and June friendlies against Senegal and Luxembourg provide final opportunities to prepare to end the 24-year wait. Portugal or Denmark, Hungary and Armenia will be Ireland’s qualifying opponents.

Keep faith with Ferguson?

Evan Ferguson during West Ham's Premier League loss to Brentford — Evan Ferguson has made five substitute appearances since joining West Ham from Premier League rivals Brighton (Bradley Collyer/PA)

Battle between the sticks

Gavin Bazunu, right, and Caoimhin Kelleher during a training session — Gavin Bazunu, right, is back to put pressure on fellow Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher (Niall Carson/PA)

Chaotic build-up for Bulgaria

Bulgaria manager Ilian Iliev is interviewed following his side's 5-0 thrashing by Northern Ireland — Ilian Iliev has been in charge of Bulgaria since November 2023 (Liam McBurney/PA)