IRELAND manager Heimir Hallgrímsson has said the pressure is on Bulgaria to get a result in tonight's UEFA Nations League promotion/relegation play-off second leg in Dublin.
Ireland won 2-1 in Plovdiv on Thursday through goals from Finn Azaz and Matt Doherty to take a big step to securing their League B status.
While revealing he is seeing signs of improvement in his squad, Hallgrímsson admitted Ireland need to be on their guard against Bulgaria, who are hunting promotion from League C.
"They need to come here, the Bulgarians, and attack us, be on the front foot, taking risks," said the manager.
"We know they might succeed, that's international football; if you are two or three steps from your right position you are punished at this level, that's how this game is.
"We are improving in certain areas and we are focusing more on some things than others.
"I think we are improving; I smell there's a little change coming.
"Now everybody is really wanting to play, pushing for their place in the team, so that's a really good sign and I think we have really healthy competition."
Josh Cullen in action against Bulgaria at the Hristo Botev Stadium in Plovdiv on Thursday (Image: Stephen McCarthy / Sportsfile via Getty Images)The Icelandic coach's reign began with home defeats to England and Greece in the Nations League following his appointment in July.
However, Ireland now have three wins from their past five games and despite a disappointing 5-0 defeat to England in November, Josh Cullen agreed with Hallgrímsson that morale is improving in the squad.
"If you can make winning a habit, it's a positive for everyone," said the Burnley midfielder.
"It gets a positive feeling around the camp for sure when you're winning games and it breeds confidence.
"It was a tough break after the England game, going away and having to wait a long time to put it right, but we done that the other night.
"Now we're looking to get another good result tomorrow and push forward and keep that winning confidence going."
After their Nations League fate is sealed, Ireland will prepare for June friendlies against Senegal at home and Luxembourg away.
The Boys in Green will then open their 2025 World Cup qualifying campaign against Hungary in Dublin on September 9.
Ireland's UEFA Nations League promotion/relegation play-off second leg kicks off at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin tonight at 7.45pm GMT.
Viewers in Ireland can watch the game on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, while fans in Britain can catch the action on Amazon Prime Video.
