Ireland make their return to competitive action for the first instalment of their two-leg UEFA Nations League play-off against Bulgaria on Thursday night.
The Boys In Green need to beat Bulgaria over two legs to preserve their status in the Nations League's B tier for 2026 - something which will be key to their seeding going forward.
That challenge begins with a trip to the Stadion Hristo Botev in Plovdiv (7:45 pm k/o), as Heimir Hallgrímsson hopes to repeat the feat of Helsinki and claim a crucial win.
You can view our live blog below. We'll be keeping it updated as team news and comment from the stadium comes in.
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Bulgaria v Ireland: UEFA Nations League playoff first-leg
19 March 2025; Head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson and Matt Doherty, left, during a Republic of Ireland training session at Hristo Botev Stadium in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Limp defeats to Greece and England mean Ireland find themselves at risk of relegation to tier C of the Nations League, despite two wins over Finland in their most recent campaign.
Thursday's trip to Plovdiv will be followed by a return leg meeting on March 23rd in Dublin, as they hope to bring a result back to the Aviva Stadium.
Hallgrímsson's squad for the double-header features a blend of youth and experience, with some players in particularly good form of late.
Striker Tory Parrott is having an excellent campaign with AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands while Finn Azaz has been a key cog for Middlesborough in the Championship and both men have been selected to start.
Defender Jake O'Brien has been in fine form for Everton, having been entrusted with responsibility since David Moyes returned to Goodison Park but settles for a place on the bench.
Potential debutants Jimmy Dunne, Rocco Vata, and James Abankwah are also on the bench for Ireland.
IRELAND: Caoimhín Kelleher, Matt Doherty, Ryan Manning, Dara O'Shea, Josh Cullen, Finn Azaz, Jason Knight, Robbie Brady, Troy Parrott, Mikey Johnston, Nathan Collins (captain).
Ireland face Bulgaria on Thursday night, with kick-off at 7:45pm Irish time on RTÉ 2.
