Idah reveals gesture after goal was for critics

Adam Idah responded to his online critics in style to secure the Republic of Ireland's place in Nations League B after rediscovering his love of football at Celtic.

The 24-year-old striker, an unused substitute in Plovdiv on Thursday, came off the bench to score the decisive goal in Sunday night’s 2-1 play-off second leg victory over Bulgaria at the Aviva Stadium, celebrating by putting a finger to his lips as he wheeled away.

Idah, who has 14 goals to his name for the runaway William Hill Premiership leaders to date this season, revealed afterwards the gesture had been aimed at those responsible for abuse he has received on social media.

He said: "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."

Asked how difficult it was to read such comments, Idah, who revealed he has been targeted with racist online abuse during his time at Sky Bet Championship Norwich, replied: "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."

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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Idah, who made his senior international debut as a 19-year-old in September 2020, has started just once for his country under new boss Heimir Hallgrimsson with Troy Parrott and Evan Ferguson, scorer of Ireland’s equaliser on the night as they completed a 4-2 aggregate victory, getting the nod in Dublin.

However, he insisted the displeasure which fuelled his goal celebration was in no way aimed at the Icelander.

He said: "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."

Champions League appearances and goals this season have helped to build Idah’s confidence following his initial loan move and then permanent switch from Carrow Road to Glasgow but he credits the influence of Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers in his development.

He said: "Ever since I’ve been at Celtic, Brendan Rodgers has been unbelievable for me. It was a fresh start, he made me love football again, he had a lot of faith in me and I’m sure you can see that on 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."

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