Stoilov upbeat despite Berbatov loss

Losing captain Dimitar Berbatov to injury will not diminish Bulgaria's confidence for Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Ireland in Dublin, coach Stanimir Stoilov said yesterday.

The Manchester United striker was ruled out after suffering an ankle injury during the 2-0 loss at Fulham on Saturday and will also miss the home tie in Group Eight against Cyprus in Sofia on April 1.

"Unfortunately, we've lost our most important players," said Stoilov, who has also been deprived of winger Martin Petrov and defender Alexandar Tunchev.

"But this is the reality, we can't change it and we have to do everything possible to win against Ireland," Stoilov told a news conference.

Stoilov said Berbatov would be replaced by Hertha Berlin striker Valeri Domovchiyski and Aston Villa midfielder Stilian Petrov would wear the captain's armband.