Winger Stephen Hunt set up Ireland's goal in an important 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw in Bulgaria on Saturday.

Hunt started the game in Sofia, and the Irish knew a victory would take them top of the group ahead of Italy.

The Emerald Isle started positively, and Hunt saw a header saved inside the first 15 minutes. But soon afterwards our winger won a free kick, took it himself and saw Richard Dunne power home a header for 1-0.

Almost immediately Hunt tried his luck with a volley but was well off target, and sadly the home side equalised quickly.

Stephen continued to be a threat, and Milanov was booked for a foul on him just before the break. He almost got in on goal from Caleb Folan's pass just after the interval, and made way for Aiden McGeady with 71 minutes gone.

Shane Long did not make the final 18, and Noel Hunt and Kevin Doyle missed out completely because of injury.

Ireland are now second in the group, five points ahead of Bulgaria, who have a game in hand.