Hallgrimsson chat pays off for match-winner Idah

Adam Idah celebrates — Idah scored his fifth international goal in the win against Bulgaria [Getty Images]

Republic of Ireland match winner Adam Idah said he had a meeting with manager Heimir Hallgrimsson about his lack of minutes for his country before he came off the bench to score the winner against Bulgaria.

The Celtic striker's cool finish sealed a 2-1 second-leg victory which secured a 4-2 aggregate win in the Nations League B play-off.

But the 24-year-old spoke of an honest conversation he had with the Icelandic coach after the first leg in Plovdiv when he was an unused substitute despite his prolific form at club level.

"I was disappointed with the other night not coming on, I was itching to come on at home and getting a goal was a bonus," he told BBC Sport NI.

"I spoke to Heimir, but it was nothing bad, I just wanted to know why I didn't come on after the season I have been having. It was good, I probably needed to have that talk after missing the last camp.

"He said when I get the opportunity to go show what I can do, and he gave me the minutes and it was great I scored the goal. We had a little laugh and a joke after."

Cork native Idah struck the winner six minutes from time when he met fellow substitute Mark Sykes' lofted ball into the box with a first-time half-volley on his weaker left foot.

He admitted that it was an easier finish given his confidence is high in front of goal after scoring 14 times in all competitions for Celtic this season.

"I said it to Sykes when he came on to make sure he put balls in the box, he did brilliant and to find me at the back stick was great," Idah added.

"When I saw it coming on my left foot I thought 'oh my god' but I stayed composed, and I have that confidence this season."

Idah hopes that the Republic of Ireland securing their League B status with two comeback victories against the Bulgarians can act as a springboard for the World Cup qualifying campaign which begins in September.

"We have been lacking results in the past, we have played well in the past but have struggled to get back in the game after going a goal down and these last few games we managed to come back.

"We're starting to see the lads click and the management click, and we are showing that reaction and courage to get back in the game."

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Hallgrimsson chat pays off for match-winner Idah

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