You can't make a judgment after five minutes but what else are we going to do - Ireland are playing it out from the back with some really patient possession. A change in style? We were told there would be under Stephen Kenny.

Darren Randolph even takes a few touches 40 yards from goal. Onana-esque.

The Republic's first corner is a good one and Shane Duffy is a real threat in there. The centre-back wins it but can only nod it down into the turf and it bounces safely into the keeper's hands. Half a chance!

Bulgaria mount the first attack which Galin Ivanov heads toward goal but it barely reaches Darren Randolph in the Ireland net.

I really like Matt Doherty but I just can't sit here and watch him start a game at right-back wearing number seven without passing judgment. A disgrace.

Away we go!

If you're after Pukki v Bale you'll need to head over here. I'll tell you of any goals. I can tell you the FInland kit is an absolute pearler.

In the 2018-19 Nations League, the Republic of Ireland had fewer shots than any other side (22), while only San Marino (0) scored fewer goals (1).

That's all gone though. Goals, goals, goals on the way!

Mick McCarthy is on co-comms. Awkward.

Image source, PA Media

The Stephen Kenny era has been a long time coming.

In fact, it has been the best part of two years since the former Derry City and Dundalk boss was unveiled as the FAI's choice to lead the Republic of Ireland from 2020.

The original plan, of course, was for Kenny to succeed Mick McCarthy in the Aviva Stadium dugout following Euro 2020.

But with the coronavirus pandemic pushing the tournament finals back a year, the Dubliner is now tasked with securing qualification via the play-offs after taking over from McCarthy in April.

The Republic are bracing themselves for a busy autumn after 10 months without competitive action.

In addition to playing all six of their Nations League group matches between now and 18 November - over the course of three international windows - Stephen Kenny's side hope to seal their place at next summer's European Championship via the play-offs.

In order to do so, they must defeat Slovakia away in the play-off semi-final on 8 October and overcome either Bosnia and Herzegovina or Northern Ireland in the final on 12 November.

It's a starting XI with seven international goals between them, with new Celtic centre-back Shane Duffy the top scorer on three.

Any thoughts on football, the Nations League or anything else? Fire away via the usual channels.

Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny to Sky Sports: "I have two of the best full-backs in the Premier League in Matt Doherty and Seamus Coleman and Matt has had an exceptional season so he just gets the decision, a marginal decision.

"We have a lot of pace in the team, we need that cutting edge in attack. They haven't got a lot of caps but a lot of potential."

There's plenty of Premier League interest as powerhouses Germany and Spain return to action for the first time in almost 10 months.

Chelsea's Timo Werner and Antonio Rudiger - as well as Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan - start for the hosts in Stuttgart, while Spain start with Manchester United keeper David de Gea, Leeds United's Rodrigo and Manchester City's Ferran Torres.

Germany's bench includes Arsenal keeper Bernd Leno, while Chelsea's Kepa Arrizabalaga and Manchester City duo Rodri and Eric Garcia are among Spain's substitutes.

Germany starting XI: Trapp; Can, Sule, Rudiger, Kehrer, Gundogan, Kroos, Gosens, Sane, Werner, Draxler.

Spain starting XI: De Gea, Carvajal, Ramos, Pau Torres, Gaya, Fabian, Busquets, Thiago, Navas, Ferran Torres, Rodrigo.

A good question. We're still a bit confused by the Nations League to be honest.

The Nations League is separated into four divisions. The top three divisions have four groups with four teams. Each side plays the other teams in their group home and away - just like a Champions League group.

Luckily our learned colleague Emlyn Begley has explained it all.

Read all about it here.

Norwich youngster Adam Idah makes his debut up front for the Republic, along with Brighton's Aaron Connolly as Stephen Kenny goes for youth.

There are four changes in all from the side which drew with Denmark last November. Glenn Whelan, Alan Browne, James McClean and David McGoldrick miss out. Crystal Palace midfielder James McCarthy wins his first cap since October 2016.

Bulgaria make seven changes from their last outing in February. We're struggling for any big names - 19 of the current squad play in their homeland.

Image source, Getty Images

The Mick McCarthy era (pt. II) is over in slightly convoluted style. Not even Mick could stare down a pandemic so the Republic of Ireland get going again under new man Stephen Kenny tonight.

He's made some changes, freshened it up, and he's got Damien Duff by his side.

Shall we get this Nations League up and running again?