A night of goal-scoring firsts at the Aviva for Adam Idah and Mikey Johnston, but also for Evan Ferguson.
Ferguson’s second-half header against Gibraltar was his first senior competitive goal for Ireland, having opened his international account in March’s friendly win over Latvia. But any fussing over which goal meant more and where they all count in the record books can be debated by the fans and anoraks, because Ferguson already has his own order or merit.
“I don’t think it’s more special than the first one, I think the first one is always going to be the first one, you know,” he said.
Monday night’s win over Gibraltar brings an end to a whirlwind season for Ferguson.
Premier Sports to host live election debate on sports policies
Eileen Gleeson names Ireland squad for Euro 2025 playoff against Wales
Rúben Amorim’s road from the Portuguese third tier to Manchester United manager
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City contract extension shows he still has the eye of the tiger
“I think they have been a mad six months, they have gone very quickly. I wouldn’t change it, it has been a good six months. I’m looking forward to the break, chill out and switch off for a few weeks.”
If Ferguson’s goal-scoring touch has come early in his international career, Idah has had to endure a much longer wait. Monday night was his 16th senior cap – coming off the bench to finally make his breakthrough in front of goal.
[ Ireland fail to impress as they make heavy work of victory over GibraltarOpens in new window ]
“It’s very exciting, it’s been a long time coming, the feeling is amazing,” admitted the Norwich striker.
“Obviously we lost the game last Friday and we needed to get a win against Gibraltar. To score against them in fantastic.
“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 tonight so off the mark and now and hopefully try to keep scoring.”
And Idah hopes this victory can act as a platform for Ireland to build an assault on Euro 2024 qualification.
[ Stephen Kenny has depleted his benefit-of-the-doubt reserves with fansOpens in new window ]
“I think everyone saw it last time we played France, we were outstanding,” he said.
“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.”
