Kenny’s reign starts with hard fought draw

By Stephen Leonard 

Shane Duffy’s injury time goal ensured Stephen Kenny avoided defeat in his opening game in charge of the Republic of Ireland as they dug out a 1-1 draw against Bulgaria in the UEFA Nations League in Sofia.

The Tallaght man saw his side fall behind on 56 minutes when Bozhidar Kraev latched on to a through ball from Todor Nedelev and steered home.

Stephen Kenny

Yet, with the visitors staring defeat in the face, up popped captain Duffy to head home a 93rd minute corner from Robbie Brady who had done extremely well to earn and deliver in the set-piece.

Kenny will have plenty to work on after this performance which saw Ireland enjoy no shortage of possession but failed to create a lot with it.