Norwich's FA Cup hat-trick hero Adam Idah has Man Utd in his sights

Grinning from ear to ear and clutching the match ball as he posed for pictures, Adam Idah was asked about the prospect of facing Manchester United on Saturday.

The rookie striker had just destroyed Preston with a delightful hat-trick to breathe some much-needed passion and romance into the FA Cup.

Deputising for the injured Teemu Pukki, the 18-year-old from Cork took centre stage on only his third senior appearance.

Old Trafford next, Adam?

‘That’s down to the boss, but it’s what I’m working towards,’ said Idah with a huge smile.

‘Teemu could be back by then, hopefully, but I’m just going to work hard and train even harder.

‘If it comes to that, I’ll try and take my opportunity. If not, I’ll just keep going.’

Idah upped sticks two and a half years ago to join the Canaries’ academy.

He has represented the Republic of Ireland at Under 21 level and his exploits at Deepdale helped seal Norwich’s first FA Cup win in seven years. Idah, who scored an own goal on his debut in a Carabao Cup defeat at Crawley in August, added: ‘The Crawley game was difficult, but you just have to put it behind you.

‘The boss and everyone have been great with me and I think I have improved a lot since then — on the pitch, physically, and off the pitch, I’ve matured a lot too.

‘When I came over to Norwich two years ago, I didn’t think this would happen.

‘Even to start the game was unbelievable but to get off the mark and then score another two goals was great for me. It’s a dream come true.’

Norwich manager Daniel Farke had planned to send Idah out on loan this month but admitted he could now be forced into a rethink.

Onel Hernandez also scored for Norwich with second-half goals from Billy Bodin and Josh Harrop reward for Preston’s spirited second-half showing.