Football Association Of Ireland

Ireland's experimental line-up emerged victorious in a friendly match with Bulgaria that sprung into life late in Dublin tonight.

Two late goals helped a second-string Republic of Ireland side beat Bulgaria 3-1 in Tuesday's friendly in Dublin.

After a dull first half, Alan Browne poked the Irish ahead on 56 minutes after Bulgaria keeper Hristo Ivanov had failed to hold a Ronan Curtis shot.

Ivelin Popov levelled a from penalty on 67 but Kevin Long's header restored the Republic's lead on 83.Debutant Jack Byrne and Enda Stevens superbly set up a further late goal for another Irish newcomer James Collins.

Posted by voc1967 on Tuesday 10 September 2019 - 21:06:07 | Comments: 0  |  

When Mick McCarthy came into the job as Republic of Ireland manager – second time around – it was straight into competitive actio.

His team got straight to the task and they sit top of the table on Group D – with the benefit on Sunday of dropped points for Denmark against Georgia.

“I’m delighted it was a draw but the onus is still on us to go out there now and pick up points in October,” said McCarthy talking about the scoreless game in Georgia for the Danes.

It is a different task on Tuesday with Bulgaria coming to the Aviva for a friendly. It provides the chance for McCarthy to give game time to some of his extended squad during a brief respite from it being all about the results.

Posted by voc1967 on Monday 09 September 2019 - 09:06:33 | Comments: 0  |  

Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy said his side are "better off now" in their Euro 2020 qualification bid after a dramatic 1-1 draw with Switzerland.

The Republic are three games away from the European Championship after David McGoldrick's late header in Dublin kept their unbeaten run going.

"We're not the best team in the group but I'll tell you what, you're going to have to put us down before we give up," McCarthy said.

Posted by voc1967 on Friday 06 September 2019 - 12:08:06 | Comments: 0  |  

The Republic of Ireland secured a potentially priceless point on their quest to reach Euro 2020 with as they fought from behind to earn a late draw against top-seeds Switzerland.

Fabian Schar’s well-taken strike was cancelled out by a late header from striker David McGoldrick who, secured a draw for the hosts to maintain their grip on pole position in Group D.

Having just about seen off the limited threat of Gibraltar last time out with a meagre 2-0 win, Mick McCarthy opted to make one change, with Glenn Whelan dropping back into midfield in place of forward Scott Hogan.

Posted by voc1967 on Thursday 05 September 2019 - 21:25:28 | Comments: 0  |  

New Crystal Palace midfielder James McCarthy is a step closer to a first game for the Republic of Ireland under Mick McCarthy after he was included in the 25-man squad for a Dublin double header against EURO 2020 rivals Switzerland and friendly opponents Bulgaria.

Midfielders McCarthy, Alan Browne, Alan Judge and Jack Byrne and goalkeepers Keiren Westwood and Mark Travers are back in the Ireland squad for the crunch European Championship showdown with Switzerland and the Three International Friendly against Bulgaria.

Posted by voc1967 on Wednesday 04 September 2019 - 08:46:50 | Comments: 0  |