ADAM IDAH had the final say when he volleyed in the Republic of Ireland’s late winner in their 2-1 second leg play-off triumph over Bulgaria at Lansdowne Road last night.
The victory gave the Celtic striker and his team-mates a 4-2 aggregate success which keeps them in Nations League Group B and sets them up for the World Cup qualifiers when they kick off in September.
Afterwards, Idah opened up on having a point to prove to international boss Heimir Hallgrímsson, answering some online critics and his debt of gratitude to Brendan Rodgers.
The powerhouse frontman, signed by the champions in a £9.5million switch from Norwich City in the summer after his impressive short-term loan, was overlooked in his nation’s 2-1 win in Plovdiv on Thursday.
GREEN FOR GO…Adam Idah was Republic of Ireland’s matchwinner.
Idah had been first pick for former national team chief Stephen Kenny, but slipped behind Evan Ferguson and Troy Parrott in his successor’s reckoning.
He had the perfect answer when he thumped in the points clincher in the 84th minute and then went through hush celebrations directed at online trolls.
Cork-born Idah said: “Obviously, he [Hallgrimsson] had his reasons why I didn’t play in the last game. I was frustrated, I didn’t really agree with it, but that’s football.
“We are men at the end of the day and we had a laugh and a joke after the game. I think that’s all I needed to do, to go on the pitch and show what I could do – and, thankfully, I did that.
“Hopefully, he can see what I’m about now. It was disappointing not coming on the other night, so I had that conversation with him.”
Idah, speaking to the Irish Examiner, continued: “It was nothing bad, it was just me asking what I needed to do and he told me. Thankfully, he gave me some minutes on this occasion and I was able to show myself.
“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 and did what I’ve been doing all season, so it was just to the people who were doubting me.”
THAT’S MY BHOY…beaming Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers celebrates with Adam Idah after his Scottish Cup winner against Rangers.
Idah also spoke about his relationship with Hoops gaffer Rodgers who didn’t hesitate in making his stay at Parkhead permanent – especially after the hitman’s nine goals during his temporary transfer, including, of course, the Scottish Cup Final winner on May 25 last year.
The towering attack-leader, who has collected 14 goals in this crusade, told the Irish Daily Mirror: “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 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. It’s been great.
“When was in Norwich, I wasn’t getting played as much, I didn’t really get on with the fans or the manager, we didn’t really get on with each other. So, my confidence was low.”
EURO STAR…Adam Idah celebrates one of his Champions League double against Aston Villa.
Idah netted in the Hoops’ opening-day 5-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava in Europe’s elite competition at Parkhead in September and also claimed a double in the 4-2 loss against Aston Villa in the Midlands last month.
He added: “Even just playing the games has been fantastic. It’s brilliant for me, even for my career, to score three goals in the Champions League is amazing and makes me want to do more.
“We had a tough end to the tournament against Bayern Munich. It was a bit harsh on us, but made us hungry for next season to try and do even better.
“It’s been fantastic for us.”
Idah’s focus will be back on the Premiership on Saturday when Hearts provide the opposition as Rodgers’ men, 13 points ahead at the summit, prepare for the eight-game run-in to their inevitable fourth successive title.
