Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni was happy with his team's 1-1 draw with Bulgaria, but is refusing to get carried away with the result.

Richard Dunne headed the visitors into the lead in Sofia in their World Cup qualifier on Saturday evening before the home side hit back to level matters.

It ended with that scoreline, which dampens Bulgaria's chances of qualifying for next summer's main event, while also strengthening Ireland's cause for making it out of Group 8.

Trapattoni admitted after the game that he was pleased with the result, although he believes there is still a lot of hard work to do for his team in order to clinch qualification.

"Today we have a little advantage, but only a little advantage," said Trapattoni after the match.

"I do not talk about percentages. I know that wood is wood and the ground is the ground.

"I always thought that this was going to be a more difficult game for us than Italy away because Bulgaria are a very dangerous team.

"They showed that tonight when we conceded the goal so soon after scoring and I was a bit afraid we would lose the game.

"But I am happy now with the good result. We have a long way to go yet before we can talk about South Africa.

"I have always said that it will be a long qualifying campaign, but I am happy with this result."