Adam Idah will be the talk of the country after his hat-trick for Norwich this afternoon. The 18-year old was incredible in the 4-2 win at Preston, putting in the type of display we have not seen that often from Irish players of any age in recent years.
Calls will inevitably be made for Idah's inclusion in the Ireland senior squad. Just as was the case after Aaron Connolly's brace against Spurs, he is now a man in-form despite his relative lack of experience at this level.
Unfortunately for Idah, the next international break is over two months away.
Still, Mick McCarthy has stood up and taken notice. He appeared as a pundit on BT Sport this evening for Manchester United's clash against Wolves when the subject of Idah's performance arose.
Presenter Jake Humphries is a well-known Norwich fan, and has apparently been plaguing McCarthy about the possibility of a call-up for the young striker. The Ireland boss hinted that he may well have earned one:
After scoring a hat-trick for Norwich today, 18-year old Adam Idah might be getting a senior cap for Ireland soon 🙌
And it's not because @mrjakehumphrey has been asking Mick McCarthy all day!
The young striker has caught the boss' eye ☘️#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/VteD9GNz7H— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) January 4, 2020
He might have just got himself one, never mind you getting him one.
He's scored a hat-trick today, and he's playing in a real competitive game. It's not a U21s, U23s, it's an FA Cup tie against a good Preston team.
We're not sure if this is meant to be a sly dig at those bashing the Troy Parrott drum, but it's encouraging to know McCarthy will be keeping a close eye on Idah moving forward.
Hopefully he will leave him with no option other than to include him in the squad for the Euro 2020 playoffs.
