After drawing 1-1 with Slovenia on Tuesday, Dave Connell's side are now targeting three points from their next outing in Group 10 as they hope to take a step closer to next summer's finals tournament in Slovakia.
Based in Slovenia for their three First Phase qualifiers, Ireland have recovered from their opening game - which was played in difficult conditions - and trained well ahead of what Connolly says is a key fixture.
"We gave a good performance against Slovenia, we created a lot of chances on goal, and had a goal disallowed late on," said Connolly, who scored their goal on Tuesday.
"We were disappointed only to draw the game because we were the better team but it could turn out to be a vital point. We regrouped after the game and immediately turned our thoughts to Bulgaria on Thursday.
"We have two more games to go in this First Phase and we are aiming to win both of them. We have moved on from Slovenia and we're ready to take on Bulgaria."
Connolly, who recently linked up with Florida State University, is extra motivated to reach the finals tournament having played for Connell's 'History Girls' who reached the semi-finals of the 2014 tournament in Norway.
The Cork native - who is a free-kick specialist - admitted that she was surprised to score with a header against Slovenia, but she doesn't want any more surprises in their remaining two games; just victories to keep them on the road to Slovakia.
"After playing in the tournament in Norway, getting back to a finals is all I've thought about. This is my last year with the Under 19s, so I want to us to qualify," said Connolly.
"We didn't get past the First Phase last year and we didn't bring our A game then. This year is different and we will leave no stone unturned in our quest to qualify for the finals. We're ready to go."
Connell has no injury concerns after his full squad trained on Wednesday and they will be fired up to tackle Bulgaria and secure three more points.
FIXTURES
Republic of Ireland WU19 1-1 Slovenia, Tuesday, September 15
Republic of Ireland WU19 v Bulgaria, Thursday, September 17, KO 3.00pm, Gornja Radgona, Slovenia
Republic of Ireland WU19 v Russia, Sunday, September 20, KO 3.00pm, Gornja Radgona, Slovenia