Adam Idah would love to form a lethal partnership with Evan Ferguson in next week’s Euro qualifier in Greece.
The Norwich City striker missed all of Ireland’s games in 2022 because of a knee injury but returned off the bench in March’s narrow defeat to France.
Capped 14 times, the Corkman has yet to open his senior account for the Boys in Green.
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But Idah, 22, is a big favourite of Stephen Kenny’s having proved to be a prolific scorer through the age groups.
He came off the bench to replace Ferguson after 65 minutes in that 1-0 defeat to Les Blues in the opening qualifier.
But Idah, who is in Turkey this week for Ireland’s warm-weather training camp, wants to play with him in Athens on Friday week.
Ferguson, 18, took the Premier League by storm this season after starring for Brighton, who secured European football.
And he also scored on his first start for Ireland when they beat Latvia in a friendly building up to the France clash.
In Antalya, Idah said: “It would be great to play with Evan. He’s had an unbelievable season at Brighton. He scored in his first [start] for Ireland as well.
“Everyone knows he’s a fantastic player and, who knows, Evan and me could be playing together in Greece and, if not, we’ll both support each other.”
Troy Parrott, Michael Obafemi and Mikey Johnston are the other forwards in Kenny’s 25-man squad vying for inclusion against Greece.
Idah continued: “In every team you need some friendly competition and there’s five of us all chasing for the same spot.
“Whoever starts in any game, we all support each other. That’s what’s so good about this team, there’s no ego - we all try to help each other.”
Idah would love to help himself by opening his senior account - but won’t panic as he knows he has the tools.
He smashed 34 goals in his 61 underage appearances for Ireland from U15s to U21s and twice bagged 10 goals in consecutive seasons in 2016/17 and 2017/18.
Idah only scored three times for Norwich this season, but hardly kicked a ball until December because of injury.
Armed with a new contract, he’s set to play a more prominent role for the Canaries next season with former talisman Teemu Pukki moving on.
“Teemu was massive to me since I came in,” said Idah. “When I first came to Norwich, I wasn't playing many games and I was really frustrated, but he helped me through that.
“Looking back, it was stupid of me to be frustrated as he was scoring all these goals but even off the pitch he helped me, [showing me] what to do outside of football.
“When Teemu was at Norwich, he was the main man and next season is going to be a big one to try to get myself in the team.
“But me and the manager know it's going to be a good opportunity to try to become the main striker at Norwich. I just have to be the best I can.
“It was difficult to get in the previous seasons but, with Teemu leaving, I've got a big chance. I just have to grab that opportunity and take it.”
Idah would love to pitch up for pre-season on a high having starred for Ireland in this Euros double-header against Greece and Gibraltar.
“My job is to score goals and I'm sure that will come soon,” he added. “I just have to keep helping the team and this is a big game for us, and the country.”
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