Gary Connaughton reporting from the Aviva Stadium
In the aftermath of the 2-1 loss Ireland suffered at the hands of Greece on Friday, one of the players that was discussed most was Adam Idah.
Many Irish fans and commentators questioned the decision to start the Cork man in Athens, with the player being taken off at halftime after failing to make an impact on the game. It topped off what had been a difficult season for the Norwich City man, who had struggled with injuries and a lack of form at club level.
While he did not start in the win over Gibraltar on Monday night, Idah will be glad to end bounce back from the disappointment suffered in recent days. Having come off the bench late on, he would score in injury time to wrap up a 3-0 victory over the Aviva.
Adam Idah thrilled to score first Ireland goal
Scoring his first goal in Ireland colours at the 16th attempt, he admitted after the game that it was a big relief to finally open his account at international level.
It’s very exciting, it’s been a long time coming, the feeling is amazing. Obviously we lost the game last Friday and we needed to get a win against Gibraltar. To score against them in fantastic...
It’s tough when you haven’t scored and played a lot of games. But I’ve spoken to people and the main thing was to stay patient, goals will come.
My job is to score goals and that’s probably the toughest part about it, not scoring, I’ve scored tonight and off the mark and now try and keep scoring.
Adam Idah has gone through a difficult period over the last couple of years. He has not really kicked on the way many expected he would at Norwich City, suffering a number of injuries and sometimes finding himself out of the team when he has been fit.
In saying that, he knows that he has a major backer in his international manager.
One of Stephen Kenny's first acts as Ireland U21 manager was to make the striker a key part of his team, going on to do the same when he graduated into the senior job. Idah has been unable to tie down that place in the side due to the issues mentioned above, but he was delighted to repay the faith that had been shown in him with a goal on this occasion.
Stephen has been great with me. I have been with Stephen since 18-years old. He has shown great faith in me. I haven't scored in a lot of games, for him to keep playing me and bringing me on gives me great confidence and belief.
I’m delighted to score tonight and to repay him for all he's done for me. I’m very appreciative for what he has done...
When you’re a new player in a team, it’s difficult you don't know the boys, you don’t really know the staff and playing in the stadium with all these fans you do feel quite nervous.
But after a few games, you get used to it and it becomes more exciting every time I go on the pitch, especially in the Aviva is a great honour. It’s very exciting and you do get more confident the more games you play.
With this season now in the books, Idah will be hoping that a new campaign will bring with it a fresh start in the months ahead.
Having scored his first goal for Ireland, he should start the start with a pep in his step.
SEE ALSO: Evan Ferguson Was Keen To Turn Fan's Boos Into Cheers During Gibraltar Win
