Norwich City’s Adam Idah drew a blank on his Republic of Ireland debut as Stephen Kenny began his time in charge with a 1-1 draw to Bulgaria.

The teenager was handed his first senior start as Kenny began his reign in charge of Ireland, but failed to mark the occasion with a goal.

Bozhidar Kraev gave the hosts the lead before Shane Duffy’s late equaliser ensured they left Bulgaria with a point to kick-start their Nations League campaign.

The 19-year-old striker was called up for Ireland’s senior squad after catching the attentions of Kenny from his time in charge of the U21s.

Idah was selected ahead of seasoned operator Shane Long as Kenny sought to inject pace and youthful endeavour into Ireland’s attacking play.

The Pink Un: Teemu Pukki in action for Finland during their defeat to Wales Picture: PATeemu Pukki in action for Finland during their defeat to Wales Picture: PA (Image: Lehtikuva)

The Norwich City striker was replaced by Shane Long in the 77th minute. Ireland face Teemu Pukki’s Finland in Dublin on Sunday.

Pukki’s night ended in defeat as his country were beaten 1-0 by Wales in the Nations League.

City’s talisman was bright and displayed plenty of promise but Kieffer Moore’s winner in the closing ten minutes saw Ryan Giggs men claim victory.

Pukki was booked for a rash tackle on Chelsea youngster Ethan Ampadu, but got away with a yellow card.

A host of Canaries stars are in action tomorrow evening, with Kenny McLean’s Scotland hosting Israel and Jamal Lewis and Michael McGovern in-action for Northern Ireland against Romania.

Jacob Sorensen is set to feature for Denmark’s under-21s as they face off against Ukraine’s youngsters with Przemyslaw Placheta’s Poland under-21s side competing with Estonia.

Tim Krul could play for the Netherlands in their fixture against Poland in what would be a romantic return to the international stage following a major knee injury whilst playing for his country in 2015.

The Dutch are without a manager after Ronald Koeman left his post to join Barcelona. They face Poland in Amsterdam.

A quartet of City stars could be in action for Aidy Boothroyd’s England Under-21s as they travel to Kosovo. Ben Godfrey, Todd Cantwell, Oliver Skipp and Max Aarons are all primed for a start in that fixture.