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Ryan Byrne/INPHO

Player ratings: How the Boys in Green fared against Bulgaria

Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side earned a hard-fought 4-2 aggregate win.

Caoimhín Kelleher: Didn’t have much to do but was solid when he needed to be. 7

Nathan Collins: Noticeably took fewer risks with his passing as he played it long a couple of times in the first half and was invariably a reassuring presence at the back. 7

Jake O’Brien: The Everton man did not look like a young player inexperienced at international level and was mostly comfortable against a poor enough Bulgaria attack. 7

Matt Doherty: Not as eye-catching as in the first leg but is back to his old self after a difficult period. Showed his versatility by playing left and right-back. 7

Robbie Brady: Wasn’t quite as effective down the left in the absence of Ryan Manning, but still put in a few good deliveries from which Ireland could easily have scored. 7

Josh Cullen: Another solid if not spectacular outing for the Burnley man. Was lucky to escape a booking for a cynical challenge in the dying stages. 6

Jason Knight: Plenty of energy as ever, but still isn’t really dominating games at this level. 6

Mikey Johnston: Works very hard but had a couple of sloppy moments in possession before being replaced by Adam Idah in the 65th minute. 6

Finn Azaz: Not everything he tried came off but it was his brilliant pass that set up Evan Ferguson’s equaliser. Must surely be well placed to keep the number 10 role long-term. 7

Troy Parrott: The official man of the match, Parrott was picked in a deeper role tonight and wasn’t as impressive as in the first leg but was still involved in some nice link-up play. 7

Evan Ferguson: Had a quiet first half and at times, it felt like it wasn’t going to be his night, but like all good strikers, he was persistent and took his goal brilliantly. 7

Substitutes: Jack Taylor, Mark Sykes and Adam Idah all had a hand in the second goal, while Ryan Manning and Jimmy Dunne didn’t do much wrong. 8

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    Mute Eoghan Duignan
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    Apr 26th 2014, 3:20 PM

    Have a lot of time for Benitez, won a good few trophies at liverpool and Valencia plus the Europa cup at Chelsea. A very underrated and highly talented manager. All his are always very competitive and I think he makes most teams better. Would love to see him back in the premier league.

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    Mute Spoddgy
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    Apr 26th 2014, 4:56 PM

    Nope there’s enough b*llsh*ters managing in the pl look at chelski!

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    Mute Mac Ready
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    Apr 26th 2014, 5:22 PM

    Qctually would love to see him take the reigns at Spurs! He knows what it takes to manage in the premiership, unfortunately I don’t think levy would go for him.

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    Mute Mister Gooey
    Favourite Mister Gooey
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    Apr 26th 2014, 6:12 PM

    Rafa would be too strong a personality for Levy. He doesn’t hd back with the media but he does talk some sh!t3 on occasion….. FACT!

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    Mute Conor Walsh
    Favourite Conor Walsh
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    Apr 26th 2014, 9:45 PM

    Hope he takes over at PSG if Blanc leaves or gets sacked. I think that would be the club for him and I think he could be the one to win the Champions League with them

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