Opportunity knocks for Adam Idah as Norwich City’s only fit senior striker – and it’s been a long time in waiting for the Irish international.

After a prolonged spell on the sidelines himself, the 22-year-old has started both of City’s last two matches and now has an opportunity to cement himself in David Wagner’s starting line-up in the absence of Josh Sargent and Teemu Pukki at the top end of the pitch.

Idah found his service limited during the Canaries’ goalless draw with struggling Wigan Athletic on Saturday – but is determined not to let the opportunity pass through his fingers on this occasion.

“I’ve waited a long time to try and get into the team but we’ve got Teemu (Pukki) and Josh (Sargent) who are scoring goals week in and week out,” the Irish striker said.

“I can’t get frustrated. I just have to take my time and train as hard as I can. Fortunately enough, I have got my opportunity and it’s down to me to take it now.

“I have to try to work to stay in the team. Whether I’m in the team or not, I’m always going to be the same and try to work as hard as I can to do the best for the team.

“Some people can get lucky and others not. I’ve had quite a few injuries over the last couple of years, and I’ve had to wait for my chance to come. Hopefully now I can keep going and try to get as many games in as I can.”

Pukki missed City’s trip to the DW Stadium with a calf injury whilst Sargent limped off at half-time with an ankle problem.

That means that Idah is now the only fit senior striking option available to Wagner with Marcelino Nunez playing alongside him in the deeper role in the second half on Saturday.

The Pink Un: Josh Sargent is a major doubt for Norwich City's clash with Birmingham on Tuesday.Josh Sargent is a major doubt for Norwich City's clash with Birmingham on Tuesday. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

With opportunity comes pressure – but Idah is confident that hard work and determination pent up from a long injury lay-off will help him grasp the mantle in the weeks ahead.

“I don’t think there is any pressure. I have been in the first team for nearly four years now,” he said. “I don’t know how many games I’ve started, but I’ve played a lot of games.

“I’ve been in these types of situations before, so I don’t think there is any pressure. At the end of the day, I can just do the best that I can. If I stay in the team, then I stay in the team. If I don’t, then I’ll keep working harder.”