Canaries youngster Adam Idah says he is ready to restart his breakthrough season – if the Premier League gives the go-ahead for the campaign to be completed.
The 19-year-old striker was taking his first tentative steps into Daniel Farke’s first team plans when the shutters came down because of the coronavirus. Now he admits he’s “bored” with life under lockdown and can’t wait to make his mark for club and country.
Having scored a hat-trick in the FA Cup win at Preston in January he also converted a shoot-out penalty at Spurs which earned City a glamour tie against Manchester United. Then came a sub appearance at Sheffield United on March 7 – City’s last game before football was suspended.
“I was just getting into the flow of things,” he said. “The first team is a major step up but I was adjusting to the pace and really enjoying the experience.
“There’s a lot to look forward to whenever we get back.
“Playing FIFA on the PlayStation is the only football I’m involved in. Maybe this break could help me. I’m really not sure but I’ll be ready whenever the green light is given.”
Idah daily ritual since City’s Colney training ground became a no-go zone is a trip to his local park for fitness workouts, while exercise bikes have been installed in players’ houses to facilitate a weekly virtual spinning session, hosted by Head of Performance Chris Domogalla.
“It’s all a bit boring at this stage,” Idah admits. “I’ve managed to maintain my fitness but I miss the ball work. The waiting is the worst part. There’s been talk of getting back training and restarting fixtures but the club haven’t confirmed anything to us. I just want to get involved in matches to kick on from where I left off.”
Idah also has international ambitions with the Republic of Ireland, whose new manager is Stephen Kenny, a man Idah played for so successfully in the Under-21s.
“Stephen makes you feel like a top, top player,” said Idah. “He’s a great manager and everyone respects him. Once he starts talking in the dressing room, everybody listens. We were behind at half-time in our last qualifier against Sweden at Tallaght. But a few brief words about concentrating on our game worked because we went on to win 4-1.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here