Advertisement League of Ireland Horse Racing TV Listings GAA Fixtures The Video Review Sport meets news, current affairs, society & pop culture Rugby Weekly Extra Dive into all the news and analysis 3 times a week The Football Family Weekly insights from the week’s big talking points Advertisement More Stories Troy Parrott (centre).Ryan Byrne/INPHO FreeTeam news Parrott to lead line against Bulgaria with Ferguson benched, Manning starts Heimir Hallgrimsson has named a much-changed team to face Bulgaria tonight. 6.40pm, 20 Mar 2025 Share options Gavin Cooney reports from the Hristo Botev Stadium, Plovdiv TROY PARROTT WILL lead the line for Ireland against Bulgaria in tonight’s Nations League first-leg play-off, with Evan Ferguson benched following a lack of game time at West Ham. Elsewhere, Matt Doherty, Robbie Brady, Ryan Manning, Finn Azaz, Jason Knight and Mikey Johnston are all handed starting opportunities. Advertisement Caoimhín Kelleher, Dara O’Shea, Nathan Collins, and Josh Cullen are the only surviving starters from Ireland’s most recent game, the 5-0 hammering away to England. Doherty is likely to play at right-back, with Collins and O’Shea at centre-back. Ryan Manning or Robbie Brady will be at left-back, with the other to be accommodated further forward. Cullen and Jason Knight will form the midfield with Azaz a little further forward, as Ireland’s chief creative spark. Parrott will lead the line, supported by West Brom winger Mikey Johnston. STARTING XI | Bulgaria v Ireland Troy Parrott, Mikey Johnston, Finn Azaz and Ryan Manning all start for Ireland in the first leg of the UEFA Nations League play-off 👏 Nathan Collins © with kick-off at 7.45pm (9.45pm local time) this evening 🇮🇪 Come on Ireland 💚 pic.twitter.com/blA8y8hwM0— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) March 20, 2025 Ireland must beat Bulgaria over two legs to avoid relegation to League C in the Uefa Nations League. The return leg takes place in Dublin on Sunday, where extra time and penalties will be played in the event of an aggregate draw. The away goals rule is not in effect. Gavin Cooney Viewcomments Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “Parrott to lead line against Bulgaria with Ferguson benched, Manning starts ”. Recipient's Email Feedback on “Parrott to lead line against Bulgaria with Ferguson benched, Manning starts ”. Your Feedback Your Email (optional) Report a Comment Please select the reason for reporting this comment. Please give full details of the problem with the comment... This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy before taking part. Leave a Comment Submit a report Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines. Damaging the good reputation of someone, slander, or libel. 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