O'Shea confident in strikers for Ireland's victory

John O'Shea, assistant coach of the Ireland national football team, is optimistic about the team’s chances in their upcoming UEFA Nations League play-off against Bulgaria. Ireland's players, especially strikers Troy Parrott and Adam Idah, have been performing well for their clubs, and O'Shea hopes they can carry that success into the international match. This match is critical for Ireland. A loss over the two legs could lead to relegation, while a win would help them maintain their position in League B of the Nations League. O'Shea wants a strong start to the year to build momentum toward World Cup qualification later in 2025. Parrott has scored 12 league goals and four more in Europe, while Idah has netted 14 goals for Celtic. O'Shea recognizes that their confidence and scoring ability are vital for the team's success. He also noted that both players come into the match fit and in good form. However, not all players are in peak condition. Evan Ferguson is struggling for playing time at West Ham after returning from injury. O'Shea believes Ferguson needs to prove himself in training and make the most of any playing time he gets during the matches. Looking ahead to the game, O'Shea expects Bulgaria to be a tough opponent. He notes that their recent performances have shown they are competitive and difficult to score against, despite a recent surprising loss to Northern Ireland. O'Shea also addressed off-field issues, including former player Glenn Whelan's criticism of the team's performance. He emphasized that all players are dedicated when representing Ireland and that they aim for unity between the national team and the League of Ireland.