RICHARD Dunne kept the Republic of Ireland on course for the World Cup finals as his side scrapped their way to a hard-fought draw in Bulgaria.
The Manchester City defender got on the end of a Stephen Hunt free-kick from the left to head the vis
itors in front 24 minutes into a pulsating encounter in Sofia.
But once midfielder Dimitar Telkiyski had levelled five minutes later, the Irish were forced to defend for dear life to retain their five-point lead over the Bulgarians in Group Eight.
Giovanni Trapattoni's men, who would have gone to the top of the group ahead of World champions Italy with a win, remain in pole position to claim at least second spot, with Bulgaria, who have played a game less, still to go to Cyprus and Italy.
Ireland arrived at the Vasil Levski Stadium having yet to lose a competitive game under Trapattoni. For 25 minutes, the 70-year-old Italian must have been thrilled with what he saw as his side not only held their own at a venue where they had never previously tasted victory, but took the game to their hosts.
Italy made light work of Northern Ireland with a convincing win at the Arena Garibaldi stadium last night.
Giuseppe Rossi, Pasquale Foggia and Sergio Pellissier all scored their first international goals for Marcello Lippi's world champions, although Northern Ireland goalkeepers Jonathan Tuffey and Alan Mannus prevented a heavier defeat in the friendly match.
The full article contains 258 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
