Dunne insists pressure is on Bulgaria

Soccer:Richard Dunne insists all the pressure will be on Bulgaria when the Republic of Ireland arrive in Sofia for Saturday's crunch World Cup qualifier.

Victory for the Republic will send Giovanni Trapattoni’s side back to the top of Group Eight - leapfrogging world champions Italy in the process - while even a point would be a positive step towards reaching South Africa next year.

Bulgaria, by contrast, are in desperate need of a win to keep their hopes of qualification alive.

The Republic were held 1-1 by Bulgaria at Croke Park in March before securing a memorable draw in Italy a few days later.

So Dunne and his team-mates are ready to raise themselves for one final push in an attempt to end a gruelling campaign on a high.

“It’s the last game of the season for us and probably one of the biggest we’ve ever had,” said the Manchester City defender.

“It’s a game where we can go back to the top of the group and put ourselves in a good position to qualify.

“I think Bulgaria will be really keen to try to win the game and will come at us, we just have to be sensible and play similarly to how we did against Italy - be patient, take our time and hopefully we can get a break and grab a goal.

“The onus is on them to win the game - if they don’t then it’s us in pole position.”

Bulgaria came away from Dublin with a point without Dunne’s club-mates Valeri Bojinov and Martin Petrov, as well as Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov, and with all three now available they will be a different proposition in Sofia.

“Valeri’s a very sharp player, if anything spills around the box he’s usually on the end of it and he doesn’t miss too many,” added Dunne.

“Himself, Petrov and Berbatov, if they come back into the team, can really cause us problems.

“But we’re all really keen to get out to Bulgaria now and get the three points. It’s a game we’re looking forward to so fingers crossed we can get the result and go on holiday in a good mood.”