Former Republic of Ireland midfielder David Meyler feels the team just need to find a way to get their first victory of the Stephen Kenny era.
The winless run under the former Dundalk boss has extended to eight games following their 1-0 defeat to Wales in the Nations League on Sunday evening and they've found the net just once in the period.
"Good in large parts of the game," Meyler said of Ireland's performance at the Cardiff City Stadium on The Football Show on Off The Ball.
"A lot of positive stuff again but it's almost the same drum we're all beating, where are the goals going to come from?
"There's been some great build-up play, a lot more possession and intricate passing, we're creating chances but it's just a case of who is going to put their hand up and put the ball in the back of the net.
"That just seems to be our biggest problem. Wales found a way to win. In the past, in Ireland teams I was involved in, we've found ways to win games and at the moment Stephen's just missing that bit of luck, for a goal to go in off someone's backside to just get you over that line to get you that first win.
"Somebody has to find a way to put the ball in the back of the net. We'd be having a totally different conversation if we weren't creating chances.
"Adam Idah is a young lad, he's learning his trade, he's not played a lot of games at senior level, never mind international senior level, so we can't be too downhearted.
"Stephen's had a lot of to deal with going into the games, for the Bulgaria game he's missing 12 senior players, which is remarkable, but at the same time that really can't be used as an excuse because there's an opportunity for those who can step up now and play."
Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
A dozen absentees for visit of Bulgaria
Midfielder James McClean and defender Matt Doherty are both out of Wednesday's match against Bulgaria at the Aviva Stadium after contracting COVID-19 while striker Adam Idah has returned to his club Norwich for treatment on an injury.
Jayson Molumby and Jeff Hendrick are both suspended while Enda Stevens, Harry Arter, James McCarthy, Callum Robinson, John Egan, Aaron Connolly and captain Seamus Coleman were already ruled out.
"Either Matt Doherty or Semaus Coleman would have played at full back," Meyler added on the absentees. "Then you have (John) Egan alongside (Shane) Duffy and you've have Enda (Stephens). There's three of the back four gone and with the toss-up between Seamus and Matt, there's the other one gone as well.
"That's four defenders missing and Jeff (Hendrick) has picked up a suspension, Harry Arter could have played, Molumby has come on leaps and bounds another Stephen and then there's no Connolly, Idah or Robinson. There's nearly another 11 there. It has been tough on Stephen Kenny but he has to find a way to get results. We need results."
Millwall’s on-loan striker Troy Parrott and Peterborough midfielder Jack Taylor have both been promoted from the under-21s while Shamrock Rovers duo Graham Burke and Aaron McEneff have also linked up with the squad.
James Collins seems in line to start in attack against Bulgaria in Dublin and Meyler thinks the Luton forward could be effective.
"When he came on for that last 15 minutes yesterday, there was almost that natural goalscorer feeling on the pitch and that's not to take away from Adam (Idah) at the same time.
"Any ball that hopped, James wanted to shoot, albeit they weren't fantastic efforts that really troubled the 'keeper, but he looked lively. I'd like to see him go from the front and for him to lead the line against Bulgaria."
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