Bulgaria 1-2 Republic of Ireland: Matt Doherty scored the winner as the Republic of Ireland came from behind to claim victory in the first leg of their Nations League play-off
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Ireland’s head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson reacts
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Icelandic manager Heimir Hallgrimsson heaped accolades on "fantastic" match hero Matt Doherty after the Republic of Ireland staged a dramatic comeback to triumph 2-1 over Bulgaria in their Nations League play-off first leg.
Tottenham defender Doherty, who had earlier dispelled rumours of tension with boss Hallgrimsson, capped his impressive reintroduction to the starting lineup by courageously heading in the pivotal goal on the 42nd-minute mark in Plovdiv.
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Marin Petkov shocked the home crowd by propelling Bulgaria ahead at a notably empty Hristo Botev Stadium, only for Ireland's Finn Azaz to head in an equaliser soon after, bagging his maiden international goal.
This win marks the third in seven matches for Hallgrimsson's squad as they inch towards securing League B survival, with the return fixture poised for Sunday in Dublin.
Doherty played a key role in setting up Azaz's leveller in the 21st minute, which came off a Troy Parrott assist following a Robbie Brady delivery, before out-jumping Bulgarian keeper Dimitar Mitov for the perfect finish to a Josh Cullen cross.
"It was a good collective performance today," stated Hallgrimsson.
"I would say Matt Doherty had a really good game, also scored and it was a fantastic run from deep and a brave, brave header.
"He had a big part in the first goal as well, quick thinking, a quick diagonal ball to Robbie Brady for the delivery and the cross.
"Sometimes the goalscorers and those who contributed get the biggest praise."
Reacting to the recent match, a player commented: "It was his 49th cap, hopefully he will get his 50th – at least he could get his 50th – back home in Ireland."
He added: "But it was a collective (performance), there were many good performances."
Doherty's comeback to the Ireland squad as one of seven changes following the heavy defeat to England in November has been notable. The Wolves stalwart had earlier made headlines for airing his discontent over being left out of the Nations League matches against Finland and Greece.
In spite of his previous comments regarding the squad selection, Doherty confirmed he still has a "good relationship" with manager Hallgrimsson before Thursday night's fixture.
Hallgrimsson praised Doherty's contribution: "He was fantastic and we ask that from our senior players, to share their experiences, it's a young squad," acknowledging the significance of having seasoned players alongside emerging talent.
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Ireland started strongly but became complacent early on, conceding a goal at 9.45pm local time to Bulgaria, leaving them momentarily destabilised. Hallgrimsson reflected on this moment saying: "From their first attack, of course it's a little bit shock (to fall behind),".
Nevertheless, he commended the team’s spirit, noting: "We showed real character coming back, dominating the rest of the half and scoring two goals."