Republic slip up

Giovanni Trapattoni's men looked to be on their way to a fourth win in five qualifiers when defender Richard Dunne headed them in front with just 40 seconds gone.

But with a crowd of 60,002 roaring them on at Croke Park, Robbie Keane and Aiden McGeady were denied by goalkeeper Dimitar Ivankov in quick succession - and Ireland were made to pay when Kilbane diverted Stiliyan Petrov's 74th-minute cross into his own net.

Keane might have snatched all three points in a frenetic conclusion to the game, but Ireland eventually had to make do with a draw.

They remain seven points clear of the Bulgarians, who have played a game fewer, in Group Eight - but with leaders Italy awaiting them in Bari on Wednesday before tricky trips to Sofia and Cyprus, even the pragmatic Trapattoni may view Saturday night's outcome as two points dropped rather than one gained.

Ireland made a dream start when Stephen Hunt a free-kick for John O'Shea to flick on and Dunne to power a downward header past helpless goalkeeper Dimitar Ivankov.

Shay Given had to dive full length to keep out Stiliyan Petrov's fourth-minute drive from 25 yards - and as Bulgaria made the better use of the possession they were afforded, the Republic found themselves on the back foot at regular intervals.

Ireland came close to doubling their lead after the break when Kevin Doyle got up well to head down O'Shea's free-kick to Robbie Keane, who controlled with his chest before firing in a left-foot shot which Ivankov saved well at point-blank range.

But having failed to edge their way further ahead, Ireland paid the price with 16 minutes remaining. Petrov timed his run to perfection to meet Radostin Kishishev's beautifully floated ball over the top beyond the far post - and when he turned it back across goal, the unfortunate Kilbane could only help it into his own net.

Keane curled a right-foot effort just wide in the dying moments, and Doyle headed straight at Ivankov - but there was to be no late escape.