Adam Idah is confident the Republic of Ireland have a shock result in them after finally opening his international account in Monday night's 3-0 victory over Gibraltar.
Ireland's win was their first in three attempts in the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign and came three days after a disappointing display in defeat by Greece in Athens.
Striker Idah capped off the scoring at the 16th attempt, in the process ending talk of matching the feat of former Ireland frontman John Aldridge, who broke his duck in his 19th appearance.
"I'm delighted to get off the mark and get my first international goal," the 22-year-old told RTÉ Sport. "It's been a long time coming. To finish it off tonight is an amazing feeling.
"I had all my family here at the game to be able to see it and to get the winner at the end was really important to us after the last game against Greece. We needed to get a win and we managed to top that off so overall it has been a great night.
"It's tough when you haven't scored and played a lot of games. But I've spoken to people and the main thing was to stay patient, goals will come.
"My job is to score goals and that's probably the toughest part about it, not scoring. I’ve scored and got off the mark and now I’ll try to keep scoring.
"It has been a long season. I had a lot of injuries and in and out of teams. it has been tough but that's part of the game. These things happen and I'll have a nice break now and have a fresh start next season."
Full-time: Ireland 3-0 Gibraltar - Adam Idah rounds out a satisfying second-half performance with Ireland's third goal as James McClean claims another assist.
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For manager Stephen Kenny, who went into the game under extreme pressure as a result of the defeat in Greece, Idah’s exploits represented reward for the faith he has invested in a player promoted from the Under-21 ranks.
The frontman said: "I have been with Stephen since 18 years old. He has shown great faith in me.
"I haven’t scored in a lot of games. For him to keep playing me and bringing me on gives me great confidence and belief. I’m delighted to score and to repay him for all he’s done for me. I’m very appreciative for what he has done.
"Every game that you play and you don't win, it's disappointing but I think we're experienced enough now to know that once you do lose a game you need to turn it around and make sure of a reaction.
"I think we did that. It wasn't an easy game. We had to stay patient. I think that's the togetherness we had in the team, to stick together and show that we are capable of winning games."
Ireland sit third in the group having played a game more than the Netherlands, whom they face in September after the little matter of beaten World Cup finalists France in Paris, but Idah is refusing to give up hope.
Asked if the big wins they need are possible, the Norwich forward said: "Of course, I think everyone saw it last time we played France. We were outstanding.
"I know we didn’t win, but we showed we can put up a test against these big teams. It’s up to us at the end of the day to finish that.
"I believe – and I think everyone else believes – we can go and do it. The next step is to go and show what we are about."
Ireland 1-0 Gibraltar - Mikey Johnston makes an big impact off the bench, finishing from close range after a deflected freekick.
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Celtic winger Mikey Johnston opened the scoring against the side ranked 201st in the world by FIFA, seven minutes after his half-time introduction.
In just his fourth cap for Ireland, Johnston pounced on a parried Will Smallbone free-kick to score from close range.
"I want to score more tap-ins and be in the right position," he said. "I actually wanted to hit the free-kick but I'm just happy to get the goal. Delighted.
"I was just trying to provide a spark for the team. We had a good first half, obviously the goal just never came. But we dominated the game and I think it was coming."
Additional reporting: PA
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