‘That is the best I have seen him’ - Republic set to watch Idah at Manchester United ahead of Euro2020 deciders

Adam Idah could force his way into the Republic of Ireland’s Euro2020 play-off mix after Mick McCarthy revealed his assistant will watch the teenager in Norwich City’s Premier League trip to Manchester United.

Idah is in line to feature again for the Canaries this weekend at Old Trafford after his FA Cup hat-trick heroics, with Teemu Pukki a major fitness doubt for the bottom club.

The 18-year-old caught McCarthy's eye with his Deepdale display and the Cork prospect is now firmly on the radar for the Republic's bid to qualify for the European Championships.

The Irish face a trip to Slovakia in March, which could set up a winner-takes-all tussle against Northern Ireland for a place at this summer's finals.

Idah has been prolific at Under-21 level but is yet to receive a senior call up from McCarthy.

"I've watched Adam a lot with the Under-21 side but that is the best I have seen him," said McCarthy, on the Football Association of Ireland official site. "His movement and his goals were brilliant and he really took his chance with Teemu Pukki out injured.

"This was real first-team football as well and the talk now is that Adam could play against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday which really is life in the fast lane for him.

"That's brilliant for him. He's put himself right into our thoughts. Terry Connor is planning to watch him against United on Saturday and we will watch with interest."