The Republic of Ireland retained their place in Nations League B after a 2-1 win against Bulgaria in the play-off second leg at the Aviva Stadium earned them a 4-2 aggregate success.

Leading 2-1 from the first leg in Plovdiv, the Republic fell behind to Valentin Antov's goal from Bulgaria's first shot on target.

Yet, just as they did on Thursday, the hosts fought back as Evan Ferguson levelled with an emphatic finish in the 63rd minute, before substitute Adam Idah netted six minutes from time with a close-range volley.

The Republic have now won back-to-back games for the first time since March 2023 and the morale boosting aggregate victory will give Heimir Hallgrimsson's side confidence before the World Cup qualifiers in September.

Hallgrimsson made two changes from the comeback victory on Thursday as Ferguson and Jake O'Brien came in for Ryan Manning and Dara O'Shea.

Everton defender O'Brien had the first chance of the game on three minutes after a fast-paced start from the hosts.

He rose highest to meet Robbie Brady's corner and his powerful header was pushed away by Plamen lliev.

The Republic threatened again on 23 minutes when Troy Parrott hit the post from close range after connecting with Brady's low delivery.

As was the case in the first leg, Bulgaria took the lead against the run of play on 30 minutes through a scrappy goal.

From their first corner of the game, Kiril Despodov found Georgi Milanov on the edge of the box and his first-time shot was only half cleared, landing at the feet of Antov who steered home.

Parrott almost levelled but his glancing header from another well-timed Brady cross floated just over the crossbar.

In an almost carbon copy of his first attempt, O'Brien again met a Brady corner, but his weak header was cleared off the line by Simeon Petrov.

The start of the second half was delayed by eight minutes following an injury to referee Umut Meler with fourth official Mehmet Turkmen taking over.

Mikey Johnston had the first chance after the restart, shooting well wide from the right-hand side of the box after nice build-up play from the hosts.

The hosts squandered a great opportunity on 55 minutes as Parrott latched on to a loose from Simeon Petrov and fed Ferguson, whose low strike from range was tipped away by lliev.

Ferguson made amends for the miss by levelling the game and putting the Republic ahead on aggregate.

He started the move, driving forward after picking the ball up near the centre circle and playing a one-two with Finn Azaz before smashing the ball into the roof of the net.

That was his fifth goal for his country, with the relief of scoring palpable in his celebration after a difficult spell at club level while on loan at West Ham.

Idah then scored the late winner as the Celtic striker confidently tucked home on the half-volley from fellow substitute Mark Sykes' lofted cross to the back post.