Ed Leahy

RTÉ Sport journalist

Troy Parrott, seen arriving at the stadium earlier this evening, has been handed a start

In-form Parrott starts in attacking Ireland formation

Troy Parrott has been handed the opportunity to stake his claim to lead the line for the upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign as the young Dubliner has been named to start up front against Bulgaria.

Soccer • 20 Mar

The Roman Theatre of Philippopolis in the heart of Plovdiv

Plovdiv Postcard: Dreaming of a team of Gary Breens

"Welcome to the oldest city in Europe" is a phrase you'll hear wherever you go in the Bulgarian town of Plovdiv, where Ireland will play their Nations League group decider match this evening.

Soccer • 20 Mar

Heimir Hallgrimsson chats with Rocco Vata while training at the Hristo Botev Stadium

Hallgrimsson eyeing form players to boost confidence

Heimir Hallgrimsson appeared cautiously confident as he spoke to the media at the Hristo Botev Stadium on the eve of Ireland's Nations League play-off with Bulgaria.

Soccer • 19 Mar

Will Troy Parrott and Robbie Brady start against Bulgaria?

Ireland can banish Wembley demons with Plovdiv plunder

Four months is a long time to wait, but Ireland finally get a chance to banish their Wembley nightmare as they take the field at the Hristo Botev Stadium in Plovdiv tonight.

Soccer • 05 Jun

Heimir Hallgrimsson and Nathan Collins spoke to the media ahead of the game

Relegation on mind as Ireland set for Bulgaria battle

Heimir Hallgrimsson is expecting a tough, tactical battle with Bulgaria as the two sides go head-to-head in Plovdiv tomorrow night.

Soccer • 19 Mar

Jimmy Dunne lit up the room when speaking to the press on Monday

Dunne delighted to ride rollercoaster into Irish squad

"It's not totally first day of school," said Jimmy Dunne, as he faced the media in Dublin following his call-up to the Ireland senior squad for this week's UEFA Nations League play-off with Bulgaria.

Soccer • 18 Mar

Ireland were on the end of a 5-0 thrashing at Wembley

Wembley wounds need addressing ahead of World Cup push

The Republic of Ireland are about to launch into a very important international calendar year, which culminates with a World Cup qualifying campaign that runs from September to November.

Soccer • 19 Mar

James Abankwah enjoying his first training session in Dublin

Abankwah's Italian job has opened the door to call-up

It's been quite the week for James Abankwah; called into the Ireland squad for the first time on Thursday, red card for Watford on Saturday, before jetting home to join up with the national team for his maiden voyage with the senior side.

Soccer • 18 Mar

Troy Parrott catching up with Mikey Johnston and other Ireland squad members at training on Monday

O'Shea hoping in-form strikers can fire Ireland to win

John O'Shea is hoping that Ireland's in-form strikers can fire the national side to a UEFA Nations League play-off victory against Bulgaria.

Soccer • 18 Mar

Matt Doherty and John O'Shea at Monday's press conference

Doherty stands by comments but all good in Ireland camp

Matt Doherty has let his football do the talking in recent months, resulting in an extended run in the Wolves team, while securing a recall into the Ireland squad for this week's double-header against Bulgaria.

Soccer • 17 Mar