It was a satisfying night at the office for the Republic of Ireland who came away from Plovdiv with a 2-1 win against Bulgaria in the first leg of their Nations League promotion/relegation play-off.
Here's how we rated the players.
CAOIMHIN KELLEHER - 6
He'll be annoyed that Marin Petkov's strike bobbled home via the inside of the post. Aside from that, the Corkman was barely troubled; calm with the ball at his feet and smart with his distribution.
MATT DOHERTY - 6
Stood off Kiril Despodov to let him make a little chipped pass in the build-to to Bulgaria's goal but he made amends with a brave header to put the Boys in Green ahead. Allowed Petkov to skate past him with some soft defending in the last ten minutes; overall though, the Wolves full-back just about justified Heimir Hallgrimsson's faith in him.
DARA O'SHEA - 6
Fizzed a lovely ball into midfield just after tip-off in a confident start but O'Shea was one of a few Irish players who got pulled out of position for the hosts' opener. Still, his comfort on the ball was an asset at Stadion Hristo Botev, and he made a few blocks and clearances during a spell of Bulgarian pressure midway through the second half.
NATHAN COLLINS - 6
Similar to O'Shea, he sprayed around some lovely crossfield balls to stretch the Bulgarians early on. But he looked like he was sitting too deep for the first goal; and then sloppily gifted dangerman Kiril Despodov possession as he tried to play it out from the back. Collins did the same to Anton Nedyalkov shortly before the break before setttling down to deliver a solid showing on the turnaround.
ROBBIE BRADY - 7
Bent in a great deep cross for Parrott that led to the Azaz goal and linked up well with Manning on that left side, even after he suffered a busted nose that required considerable repair work. His deliveries - from dead balls and open play - were hit and miss, but Brady offers valuable balance and experience.
MIKEY JOHNSTON - 6
The equaliser came after he won a free-kick with some trademark twinkle-toes. Guilty of bad decision-making at times but Johnston does have enough tricks up his sleeve to keep opponents guessing and he had some decent moments.
JOSH CULLEN - 6
Another one who didn't cover himself in glory for the Bulgaria opener. He did ping in an excellent diagonal towards Doherty for the equaliser however which seemed to lift his confidence. Neat and tidy on the turnaround with some eye-catching moments in tight areas.
JASON KNIGHT - 6
Covered plenty of ground and got through a fair bit of the dirty work in the middle of the park alongside Cullen without having a major impact on the contest.
RYAN MANNING - 7
Twice wrapped around at the back post to get on the end of inviting crosses - once heading at the keeper, then guiding his effort over the bar. A good outlet throughout, with his ability to drift inside and exploit space centrally a big feature of an impressive first-half Irish performance.
FINN AZAZ - 8
The Middlesbrough man was involved in almost every positive Irish attack in the first half. Got through loads of graft playing off Parrott while also providing composure and quality in possession. The 24-year-old's best performance yet for Ireland.
TROY PARROTT - 7
Teed up the Azaz goal with a beautifully cushioned volley. Could have got one himself when he dragged a low shot a yard wide in the first half, but it was Parrott's excellent movement and link-up play that embellished the side. Faded in a really scrappy second half but this was a good night for the Dubliner.
SUBSTITUTES
EVAN FERGUSON (Parrott 76 mins) - 6
Got stuck in straight away and was a good out ball for Ireland, looking bright even when the rhythm of the game was being broken up by persistent fouling. Ferguson was lucky not to suffer a bad injury after Nikolay Minkov caught him at the death with a dreadful tackle.
MARK SYKES (Johnston 76 mins) - 6
Did really well to win a late free-kick after a nice inter-change with Rocco Vata. Composed on the couple of occasions he got his foot on the ball.
JACK TAYLOR (Azaz 76 mins) - 6
Brought energy into the engine room to help his side close out victory.
JAKE O'BRIEN (for Manning 79 mins) - 6
The 6'6" Everton defender made himself a nuisance when attacking setpieces, then shored up the defence in the closing stages.
ROCCO VATA ( for Knight 79 mins) - 5
A senior debut for the 19-year-old Watford man. He'll be annoyed at his poor pass to Ferguson that saw a promising counter break down. Then he ran into traffic moments later when he had options to his left.
