Doncaster Rovers face anxious wait as loan target Adam Idah stars for Norwich City in FA Cup

The 18-year-old striker netted a hat trick as Norwich won at Preston North End in the third round of the FA Cup.

Rovers had last week secured an agreement in principle with Norwich to sign Idah on loan until the end of the season.

The Republic of Ireland youth international then made his Premier League debut off the bench in stoppage time in the New Years Day draw with Crystal Palace.

An injury to the Canaries' top striker Teemu Pukki plus problems for forwards Josip Drmic and Dennis Srbeny ensured Idah would play some part in their FA Cup tie at Deepdale.

Despite this, Rovers received assurances from Norwich that they would complete the necessary paperwork to confirm Idah's transfer with the youngster expected to report to Cantley Park to meet his new team mates on Monday.

Rovers officials remained cautiously optimistic that a deal would be done but watched on nervously as Idah was handed a start for Norwich and then went on to hit the headlines with a brilliant hat trick in the 4-2 triumph.

It remains to be seen whether Norwich boss Daniel Farke will now sanction the loan move, or whether interest will come from elsewhere before a deal can be done.

Earlier this week, Farke said of Idah: “Adam is a natural born goalscorer and makes great decisions in front of goal, so he has to value that gift.

“He is a good lad, is physically strong, is working hard every day and tries to improve. He has a bright future.”

Norwich had been confident in the ability of Rovers boss Darren Moore and his staff to develop Idah over the next four months and help him realise his potential.

Prior to his league debut on New Years Day, Idah had made just one senior appearance for Norwich, coming in the Carabao Cup earlier this season.

He had been an unused substitute in the league on several occasions.