The Dublin-born midfielder, who signed a four-year deal at St. James' Park last week, won his 55th cap in Sofia in Stephen Kenny's first match in charge of the Boys in Green.

In what was Hendrick's first competitive appearance since early March, Ireland fell behind to Bozhidar Kraev's 56th-minute goal.

But skipper Shane Duffy - who joined Celtic on a season-long loan from Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this week - headed home an equaliser in stoppage time.

Ireland face Finland in Dublin on Sunday in their second UEFA Nations League Group H fixture.

Meanwhile in Group C, Emil Krafth's Sweden are due to meet France on Saturday and Portugal next Tuesday, both in Solna.