After false starts at Celtic and West Ham, the Dubliner is reaping benefits of going into the unknown of Botev Plovdiv

Armstrong Oko-Flex in his Botev Plovdiv gear, where he has racked up six goals and as many assists in his 14 games.

Armstrong Oko-Flex in his Botev Plovdiv gear, where he has racked up six goals and as many assists in his 14 games.

For one Irish footballer making his way in the game, the further he travels from home, the more his career progresses.

The task of forcing his way from Bulgaria into Ireland’s possible World Cup plans – and perhaps linking up with former underage teammates like Troy Parrott on the road to the 2026 finals – may prove beyond him, but Dubliner Armstrong Oko-Flex is ending 2025 in a far better place than where he began it.