Ireland v Bulgaria: Evan Ferguson and Jake O’Brien start as Boys in Green look to secure Nations League B spot
Evan Ferguson has been recalled to the Ireland team for tonight’s Nations League decider, and Everton defender Jake O’Brien has also been handed a first competitive start.
Heimir Hallgrimsson has made two changes to his team for the promotion/relegation clash with Bulgaria with Ferguson taking Ryan Manning’s spot and Dara O’Shea making way for O’Brien.
The selection of West Ham loanee Ferguson and Troy Parrott in the same team is an attacking move, with Finn Azaz and Mikey Johnston also retaining their place in the side. Parrott has previously operated in a wider role with Ferguson operating through the middle but it remains to be seen what approach Hallgrimsson is adopting for this fixture.
On the eve of the game, he said he expected Bulgaria to adopt a more attacking approach that Ireland could look to exploit.
He also suggested that Ireland would defend with a higher line. O’Brien came off the bench in Plovdiv, adding to a sub appearance in Wembley. The Corkman did start the friendly with Portugal last June under interim boss John O’Shea but this is the first time he’s been selected for a meaningful encounter.
