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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Gavin Quinn

Republic of Ireland team announced as Stephen Kenny names side to face Bulgaria

Stephen Kenny has named his Republic of Ireland squad to face Bulgaria tonight.

As expected, Randolph starts in goal as Enda Stevens and Matt Doherty get the nod outside a centre half partnership of Shane Duffy and John Egan.

In midfield, Kenny has opted for a trio of Jeff Hendrick, Conor Hourihane and James McCarthy - who makes his first appearance since 2016.

Aaron Connolly starts on the left wing, with Callum O'Dowda named on the right - teenager Adam Idah makes his senior debut. 

The Ireland team is as follows: D Randolph; E Stevens, J Egan, S Duffy, M Doherty; J Hendrick, C Hourihane, J McCarthy; A Connolly, A Idah, C O'Dowda

Kick-off in Sofia is at 7.45 pm Irish time, and you can follow all the updates in the Irish Mirror's live blog of the game.

Ahead of the game, Kenny said: “It’s most likely that we play with a back four. A lot of positions are very competitive and marginal calls."

Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny (©INPHO/Kostadin Andonov)



He added: “No-one is guaranteed anything but Shane Duffy and John Egan - at the moment - look like they’re a good pairing.

“Their attributes are complementary and they actually played together for Ireland at underage level before being reunited years later.

“We have terrific full-backs in Seamus Coleman, Matt Doherty and Enda Stevens and they can raid and defend.

“They’re not one or the other. They can do both and I don't see why we should change that. That gives us a good platform to try and do well.”

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