Republic of Ireland: Hallgrimsson’s side to face Bulgaria in play-off

The Republic of Ireland will face Bulgaria in their Nations League relegation/promotion play-off in March.

Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side are fighting to stay in League B after finishing third in Group B2 behind England and Greece.

The Republic’s only two victories in the group came against Finland, who were automatically relegated to League C.

Their campaign ended with a heavy 5-0 defeat by England at Wembley.

Hallgrimsson said he was “lost for words” following the match and said his side “gave up” as England scored three goals in the space of five minutes following Liam Scales’ red card.

Bulgaria finished second in Group C3 behind Northern Ireland.

Michael O’Neill’s side lost 1-0 to Bulgaria in Plovdiv but ran out 5-0 winners at Windsor Park.

Bulgaria, who are ranked 84th in the world compared to the Republic in 63rd, twice drew with Belarus and had a win and draw against Luxembourg in the group.

The first leg of the play-off will take place in Bulgaria on Thursday, 20 March before the second leg at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday, 23 March.