At times it was hard to watch and the crowd was poor as the game. It seems unfair to rank the players after a friendly game with little intensity, fewer chances, and even less meaning.
I've tried to look at the positives from the game which had no real impact on Ireland going forward. It was good to see Mark Travers, Josh Cullen and Ronan Curtis make starts for Ireland this evening. Even better was to see Jack Byrne come off the bench and have an impact on the game.
Here is of how we rated that Irish display:
Mark Travers: 6
Had very little to do for the full game. Looked like he was on his way to an easy clean sheet before the penalty. A brilliant penalty from Popov made it difficult for him to do much for him.
Cyrus Christie: 5
Got forward well enough during the game. Final ball let him down throughout. A poor touch and worse tackle made way for the penalty.
John Egan: 6
Was pretty solid in the game and got forward well. Gave away the penalty for Bulgaria's equaliser.
Kevin Long: 7
Very little to do throughout the game. Distribution was quite good from the back. Got up well for his headed goal.
Hourihane: 6
Wasted at left-back. Plenty of space to go forward in and played some nice balls into the box. Needs to play more central though.
Josh Cullen: 7
Made a good block on the 30-minute mark. Didn't look out of place on his international debut.
Alan Browne: 7
Showed good awareness to get into position for his goal. Needed more intensity in the midfield in the second half.
Callum O'Dowda: 6
Looked confident in possession but made little impact going forward. Didn't apply enough pressure on the Bulgarian midfield as the game went on.
Alan Judge: 6
Put in a good shift in the first half. Ran out of steam after a while. Replaced after 59 minutes for Jack Byrne.
Scott Hogan: 6
Taken off before 60 minutes. Technically will get the assist for Browne's goal but he should have finished it himself.
Ronan Curtis: 7
Good attempt on goal led to Ireland's opening goal of the night. Ireland's game-plan didn't suit the Portsmouth man who is better with ball to his feet.
Jack Byrne: 8
A big moment for the Shamrock Rovers player. Showed he belonged in the squad by putting a great ball in for Ireland's second and winning goal. Also played a lovely ball over the top to Enda Stevens who set up the third goal.
James Collins: 8
Did exactly what was required when he came on. Got his goal on his international debut. Good to see an Irish striker getting on the scoresheet.
James McClean: 6
More frustration from the left-winger. Too often ran into channels and got caught in possession.
Enda Stevens: 8
Played a lovely first-time cross into the box for James Collins' goal.
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
