Michael Stewart has addressed Brendan Rodgers’ summer transfer plans, with the former Hearts and Hibs midfielder of the belief that the Irishman will look to finally replace Kyogo in the summer, having failed to do so in January.
In recent weeks, Adam Idah has started up top, scoring five goals in his last four games—a return that’s no coincidence given a consistent run in the starting XI. However, this goalscoring form hasn’t been enough to convince some, who believe Idah isn’t at the level to start week in, week out next season.
Stewart shares the belief that Idah isn’t clinical enough and feels this will frustrate Rodgers, meaning the Hoops will look to find a striker who is more deadly in front of goa in the summer.
He said: (BBC Sportscene), “I think it’s quite clear that Celtic will go out and spend big on a centre-forward and look to replace Kyogo. You look at the conversation rate there, just trying to highlight the point I was trying to make there.
“Idah has the lowest numbers, in regard to the front three that were playing against Hibernian.
“Does that limit Adam Idah’s opportunities next season? Possible. A big club like Celtic, as we have seen already in this campaign, he’s still going to get plenty of games.
“He just needs to be more mindful of getting that conversion rate higher.”
While Idah may not always be the most clinical in front of goal, he is always there, making runs that challenge defenders, creating space for others, and keeping the opposition on their toes.
Given how often Idah has been written off in recent months, he keeps scoring in big moments, with a goal just before halftime on Saturday afternoon to give Celtic the lead. He has a knack for scoring when it matters most under pressure, but misses when it doesn’t, something that can be frustrating for supporters to watch at times.
Idah isn’t yet the complete striker that supporters expect, but he is physical, fast, and a decent finisher—not a bad threat from a striker. At 24, he still has a lot to improve on, but given the impact that a full pre-season had on Nicolas Kühn earlier this season, give the likes of Idah and Arne Engels a full pre-season under Rodgers, and you’re likely to see a player transformed.
