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Adam Idah is confident the Republic of Ireland have a shock result in them after belatedly igniting their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. Monday night’s 3-0 victory over Gibraltar was their first in three attempts and came three days after a disappointing display in defeat by Greece in Athens. They 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 Norwich striker Idah is refusing to give up hope. Asked if the big wins they need are possible, the 22-year-old 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.” I believe - and I think everyone else believes - we can go and do it Republic of Ireland striker Adam Idah If victory over Gibraltar, who are ranked 201st in the world by FIFA, was expected, it did not come easily with the sides heading for the dressing rooms at half-time with the deadlock unbroken. However, the introduction of Celtic winger Mikey Johnston and the switch to a back four after the break paid dividends, Johnston opening the scoring with his first goal for Ireland within seven minutes of his arrival before Evan Ferguson doubled the advantage. There was relief too for late substitute Idah, who finally opened his account at the 16th attempt in stoppage time, in the process ending talk of matching the feat of former Ireland frontman John Aldridge, who broke his duck in his 19th appearance. Idah said: “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.” 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.” James McClean, who became the seventh man to win 100 caps for Ireland, had voiced his support for Kenny during the build-up to the game, and 18-year-old Ferguson insisted afterwards the players remain firmly behind the manager. The Brighton striker, who described his last six months for club and country as “mad”, said: “I don’t think anyone’s going against the manager. We’re all behind him and we’ve all got trust in him.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Football rumours: Marcus Rashford set to sign long-term Man United deal Day five of first Ashes Test: Thrilling finale in store at Edgbaston Stephen Kenny says ‘nothing is impossible’ ahead of France and Netherlands tests

Tuesday's roundup of transfer news includes updates on Marcus Rashford's Manchester United contract talks, PSG's interest in Harry Kane, Declan Rice's Arsenal decision and more.

Former Celtic manager Martin O’Neill believes winning games will soon win over fans who are sceptical about the return of Brendan Rodgers. An influential group of supporters, the North Curve Celtic, quickly posted an old photograph of a banner declaring the manager a “fraud” over his professed love for the club, in the wake of his appointment as manager for a second time. Rodgers won seven trophies in a row first time round but his sudden exit for Leicester in February 2019 still stings some supporters. “Not every single Celtic fan will be happy with it initially after the way he left the club,” O’Neill told BBC Scotland. “But he was very successful, which is great. When you start to win a few football matches, you’re back in the rhythm again and everything’s going fine. “Ange Postecoglou did a really fantastic job with the team and everything seems to be in good hands. “Rodgers knows the club inside out and will still be working with some of the players that he left. If he wins some matches then everything else will fall into place.” Former Hoops striker and pundit Chris Sutton believes it is crucial that supporters put aside their negativity towards Rodgers. “Good luck to Brendan Rodgers going back to Celtic,” he wrote on Twitter. “He left previously under a cloud but no doubting his ability as a coach and his record last time round was phenomenal. “It’s important regardless of how Celtic fans felt with his previous departure that everyone gets behind him.” Former Celtic midfielder and coach Peter Grant believes the Northern Irishman can handle the added pressure that the scepticism will bring “The way Brendan left - that’s what gets the Celtic supporters,” Grant told BBC Scotland. “It’s not down to his talent or quality of the manager. “Outside of Manchester United, the pressure and expectation at Celtic is massive. It’s constant, it’s 24/7. Everybody is looking at what you are doing. If you have a draw, it’s a horrendous result. “Brendan knows the expectation. He came through it saying he was a Celtic supporter. He’s had the criticism he received when he left. He’s had all that to deal with and it takes a strong personality to come back and come under that pressure again. “There will be the extra pressure of supporters. I’m sure he can handle it and great credit to him for wanting him to come back and do it.” Former Celtic full-back Mark Wilson believes Rodgers has no reason to apologise to supporters for the manner of his departure. Wilson told Sky Sports News: “I genuinely think some fans want him to come out and say sorry and apologise. I don’t think that’s ever going to be the case and I don’t think he has anything to apologise for. He was a manager who wanted to progress his career in the richest league in the world. “But I think they will want to hear assurances that he is here for the long term. I know things can change quickly in football, but they will want to hear that he’s got a plan to take this club forward in Europe and spend some time doing it, not just jump ship at the first opportunity. “I think this time if an opportunity were to come up pretty quickly, he would turn it down, because I think he realises what a special club this is.” Former Bhoys midfielder and assistant manager John Collins feels the suitability of Rodgers outweighs feelings over his departure. “I was disappointed with how he left but the reality is you’ve got to look at what he did when he was at Celtic,” Collins told BBC Scotland. “He was an outstanding manager and he delivered entertaining football and trophies. “The supporters want the same thing and there’s not too many managers out there on the market that are ready-made for Celtic. It’ll be a seamless transition and he knows the club.”

Gareth Southgate was full of praise for Bukayo Saka after the Arsenal forward scored his first career hat-trick in a 7-0 victory against North Macedonia in Monday’s (19 June) Euro 2024 qualifier. Despite nursing a sore ankle, Saka was instrumental in carrying England to the halfway point of qualification with four wins from their four Group C games. “He’s such a popular member of the team and so humble, works incredibly hard... it was an outstanding performance,” the England boss said.

What the papers say Manchester United are experiencing mixed fortunes as Erik ten Hag looks to build his squad for next season. On the plus side, the Daily Mail says they are close to agreeing a new, long-term deal with forward Marcus Rashford. But the Mail also reports that United’s pursuit of Jordan Pickford is not going as smoothly. The paper says the England goalkeeper is happy at Everton, with no approach yet from Old Trafford. West Ham look to have missed out in their pursuit of Mexican midfielder Edson Alvarez from Ajax, according to The Guardian. They continue to press ahead with a move for Joao Palhinha from Fulham. Several leading clubs will be on alert after news from Napoli about striker Victor Osimhen. The Italian champions hope to extend the 24-year-old Nigerian’s contract, but according to the Metro, they would consider an offer “they cannot refuse”. Social media round-up Players to watch : Ryan Gravenberch: Liverpool are looking to sign the 21-year-old Dutch midfielder from Bayern Munich during the summer. Matt Doherty: The 31-year-old former Tottenham defender is being linked with a free-agent move to the Saudi Pro League. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Mike Yastrzemski splashed a game-ending three-run homer into McCovey Cove in the 10th inning, and the San Francisco Giants rallied past the San Diego Padres 7-4 for their season-best eighth straight victory

MIAMI (AP) — Luis Arraez went 5 for 5 again to raise his batting average to .400, and Jorge Soler homered as the streaking Miami Marlins routed the Toronto Blue Jays 11-0 on Monday night.

Rookie Josh Jung hit his 15th home run, Jonah Heim had a late two-run single and the Texas Rangers beat the Chicago White Sox 5-2

Francisco Lindor homered and drove in five runs, and Max Scherzer pitched eight fantastic innings for his longest outing with the New York Mets in their 11-1 victory over the skidding Houston Astros

It’s been a very active offseason for the franchise. The Pittsburgh Steelers are still busy as they prepare for the 2023 NFL season.The franchise has attacked this offseason looking to build on last season’s 7-2 finish. The Pittsburgh Steelers missed the playoffs in 2022 despite a 9-...

The Reds have seen many players play above the expectations on them as well as a couple players playing below these expectations. Who's earned an apology?It's exciting times for Reds fans here in 2023. They are one of hottest teams in the game as well as being one of the youngest teams...

The New York Yankees are in trouble.New York has lost four straight – getting swept by the Boston Red Sox over the weekend – moving it to just 9-14 when Aaron Judge is out of the lineup.New York is hoping to turn things around with Gerrit Cole (7-1, 2.75 ERA) on the mound against...