The Republic of Ireland secured their place in Nations League B after another 2-1 win against Bulgaria on Sunday. Despite going behind in first half, Ireland recovered after the break with goals from Evan Ferguson and Adam Idah.
The latter came on at the 65th minute, and after sealing away the match winner following a backpost volley from fellow substitute Mark Sykes, the Celtic striker made a very pointed gesture.
Sykes makes a run on the left and crosses it to Adam Idah who pops it into the bottom left corner.
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Though he was an unused substitution in the first-leg in Plovdiv, Idah proved his worth with his goal in the reverse fixture, and stated after the game in the mixed zone that the finger to his lips was for the people who had been disputing his ability.
I saw a lot of stuff online, so it was just telling people to shut up, really. Obviously I was frustrated with the first game, but I came on today and did what I’ve been doing all season, so it was just to the people who were doubting me.
Idah currently has 14 goals for the Scottish Premiership league leaders this season. When asked how he felt reading the comments about him, the Irish frontman noted how he had previously dealt with online racial abuse when playing for EFL Championship side Norwich.
Before when I was younger, it was hard. You probably get in your own head, you start doubting yourself.
But I’ve got over it, I see it all the time and it’s exactly what I did tonight. That’s how you shush them, you let your feet do the talking.
He stated that the celebration was in no way directed at new manager, Heimir Hallgrímsson, and that he holds the Icelandic boss in high regard.
I respect the manager and the decision he made last week was his decision. I probably have had that so many times in football where I don’t play and get frustrated, but that’s the beauty of football.
I didn’t play last week and I came on and scored today. It’s what you have to do.
On top of that, he is finding success on a club front as well, and is enjoying his time at Glasgow on and off the pitch.
Whenever I play, I play with freedom now and I have scored a lot of goals. It’s the most I’ve scored in a season in my career and I think that’s due to the fact that I’ve had a fresh start at Celtic and the players there, the staff and fans, have all shown belief in me and it’s been great.
Sounds like a man who is happy with his football, and if he keeps up the form the chances will definitely keep coming for club and country.
