Ireland's Adam Idah has admitted that he could see himself playing alongside Evan Ferguson, rather than instead of him, in Ireland's upcoming games against Greece and Gibraltar.
Idah's time wearing the Ireland jersey has been inconsistent, to say the least. After featuring prominently for Stephen Kenny's team at the beginning of his tenure, the Norwich forward's progress has been hindered by injuries.
This has been compounded by the emergence of Brighton's Ferguson, who has quickly become the most talked-about striker in the country. Both players will be eager to start in the game against Greece next week, but it remains unknown who Kenny will select in Athens.
Nevertheless, Idah believes that a partnership with Ferguson on June 16, could be a fruitful one and it is not an idea he is dismissing.
"It would be great to play with Evan," said Idah during a Zoom call from Ireland's training camp in Turkey.
🇮🇪 𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐋𝐘 𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐀𝐌𝐏 ⚽️
🗣️ 'Whoever starts in any game, we all support each other'
🗣️ 'There's no egos in this team!'
Adam Idah looks at his friendly rivalry with Irish teammate Evan Ferguson and the other strikers in the Ireland camp | 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/TRq4NV2k53— Off The Ball (@offtheball) June 7, 2023
"He's had an unbelievable season at Brighton. He also scored in his first start for Ireland. Playing alongside Evan would be fantastic. I think everyone recognizes that he's a fantastic player, and who knows, Evan and I might be playing together in Greece. If not, we'll both support each other and do our best for our country.
"In every team, you need some friendly competition. For all of us, it's not just Evan; there are five forwards vying for the same spot. I believe we're all approaching it in the right way, helping each other to achieve the best we can."
Despite this, Idah believes that the positive atmosphere in the Ireland camp will persist, regardless of who Kenny chooses to lead the line against Greece.
"Regardless of who starts in any game, we all support each other and strive to do our best. That's what's great about this team—there are no egos, and we all try to help each other."
Ireland will be hoping to kick-start their campaign with a win. A loss to France in March means that Ireland must secure victories against Greece and Gibraltar to jumpstart their Euro 2024 hopes.
According to reports, all 26 players, except for Alan Browne, who is recovering from a knee injury, participated in the initial sessions of this week's warm-weather training camp in Antalya.
Republic of Ireland Squad - Greece & GibraltarGoalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth)
Defenders: Matt Doherty (Atlético Madrid), Mark Sykes (Bristol City), Callum O'Dowda (Cardiff City), James McClean (Wigan Athletic), Nathan Collins (Wolverhampton Wanderers), John Egan (Sheffield United), Dara O'Shea (West Bromwich Albion), Darragh Lenihan (Middlesbrough), Liam Scales (Celtic).
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Jeff Hendrick (Reading), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Jason Knight (Derby County), Jamie McGrath (Wigan Athletic), Jack Taylor (Peterborough United).
Forwards: Adam Idah (Norwich City), Michael Obafemi (Burnley), Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Troy Parrott (Tottenham Hotspur), Mikey Johnston (Vitória de Guimarães, on loan from Celtic).UEFA EURO 2024 - Fixtures16/06 - Greece v Ireland, OPAP Arena, 7.45pm (21.45pm local time)19/06 - Ireland v Gibraltar, Aviva Stadium, 7.45pm
