Stephen Kenny sweating on Adam Idah’s fitness for France game but feels Ireland are otherwise well equipped for task
STEPHEN KENNY faces an anxious wait to see if Adam Idah will be fit for Ireland’s crunch clash against France.
Idah was named in the Ireland squad for the friendly against Latvia and the opening Euro 2024 qualifier against Les Bleus.
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Speaking today at the squad announcement which took place at The Aviva Stadium
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Idah has been beset by injuries over the past 18 months
But, after providing an assist in Norwich City’s draw against Huddersfield Town, he limped off with a foot injury.
Kenny said: “it’s too early to say, he had to leave in the first half and he left the ground on crutches. He will have a scan tomorrow.
“I’m not really sure but he asked not to be ruled out so we have to wait and see.”
It is the latest set-back for the Corkman whose early progress has been stalled by unfortunate injury problems but Ireland do have good options upfront.
Kenny added: “We have characteristics in our forward players which are completely different from two years ago – with Chiedozie Ogbene, Michael Obafemi, Adam, Evan Ferguson and Troy Parrott. They’re direct and they’re quick.
“We can play in different ways because we’ve Will Keane and Mikey Johnston, who’s a dribbler, so we’re quite potent in the attacking players we have.”
Johnston, 23, earns his first call-up having switched international allegiance from Scotland. He is currently on loan to Portuguese side Vitória Guimarães from Celtic.
Kenny said: “He’s someone I’ve been aware of for a long time. He broke into the scene at Celtic very quickly but was out for a year which is tough for a young player like that.
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“It affects your rhythm and a lot of players came into Celtic in the meantime.
“For him to go to Portugal was brave, it’s a different culture and it’s not all an upward curve, but he has had 21 games this season between starts and off the bench.
“He has different attributes, we’re not expecting a lot from him for this camp but it’s a good introduction.”
FERGIE TIME?
But Evan Ferguson, 18, is in line for his first start after continuing his good form for Brighton.
Kenny said: “He…
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