Darren Randolph: Dealt well with a couple of dangerous crosses and wasn’t over-extended on the night. 6
Ryan Manning: Making his debut, the 24-year-old left back was booked for dangerous lunge on Sapas Delev in the early stages. Recovered from the early jitters and did okay. 5
Shane Duffy: Apart from one poor first half pass, the Celtic defender played solidly – much to his relief after a terrible run of form. Made some telling blocks in the second half to deny Bulgaria. 6
Kevin Long: Winning his 14th cap, the Burnley man picked up an early yellow which didn’t affect him. Covered his defensive partner well and was positionally sound. 6
Dara O’Shea: One poor header across his own goal wasn’t in keeping with his generally good defensive display. Also got ahead of the ball and his deliveries from the right were good. 6
Conor Hourihane: Winning his 23rd cap, the Cork man anchored the midfield. Doesn’t offer a great deal or protection to his back four but initiated some good attacking play. 5
Robbie Brady: Showed flashes of the Robbie Brady of four years ago, rattling the crossbar with a tremendous strike from distance. Worked hard and tried to press the Bulgarian back line before injury ended his night. 6
Daryl Horgan: One of Ireland’s livelier performers on the night. Set up James Collins for a great first half chance and worked his socks off with some bits of creativity. 6
Jason Knight: One terrible first half pass almost proved costly but showed courage and wanted the ball. Scored high for his work-rate and assisted for Ronan Curtis’s chance. 6
James Collins: Should have added to his one international goal with a first half header. Didn’t unsettle the Bulgarian defence. 5
Ronan Curtis: Missed Ireland’s best chance of the game after being put through by Knight. Started well but faded as the game wore on. 5
Subs
Josh Cullen: Dropped into central midfield but didn’t make an impact. 5
Jack Byrne: Busy and made things happen late on. 6
Troy Parrott: Not on long enough to be rated.
Sean Maguire: Not on long enough to be rated.
Cyrus Christie: Not on long enough to be rated.
