Evan Ferguson got his first goal since November as the Republic of Ireland secured their Nations League B status with a 4-2 total win over Bulgaria.
Ferguson, who is currently on loan at West Ham from Brighton, scored his fifth senior international goal with 27 minutes left in the game. Substitute Adam Idah then scored after coming off the bench to seal a 2-1 victory in the play-off second-leg match at the Aviva Stadium, adding to Ireland's win in Plovdiv on Thursday.
Like in the previous game, Bulgaria took the lead in the first half through midfielder Valentin Antov but failed to hold on to it. Contrary to manager Heimir Hallgrimsson's expectations of a physical game, Bulgaria played a good football.
Defender Jake O'Brien had a chance to score in his first competitive start but the Bulgarian goalkeeper Plamen Iliev made a good save from his header off Robbie Brady's corner kick.
Mikey Johnston troubled the Bulgarians on the right side and connected well with Ferguson, Troy Parrott, and Finn Azaz. Although Parrott hit the post after a cross from Brady in the 24th minute, it was Bulgaria who scored first through Antov in the 30th minute.
Ireland pushed for an equalizer with efforts from Parrott and O'Brien, including a clearance off the line from a header by Nurnberger. Johnston missed a good chance in the second half, but Ferguson scored a brilliant goal after a one-two with Azaz in the 63rd minute.
Ireland sealed the win with a goal from Idah, who volleyed home after a pass from Sykes with six minutes left in the game.