Brendan Rodgers has thrown his support behind Adam Idah despite another frustrating afternoon in front of goal for the Irish striker.
The 24-year-old, signed permanently from Norwich City last summer for £9 million, has yet to consistently deliver the cutting edge Celtic fans were hoping for. Many believe Kyogo Furuhashi has still not been adequately replaced since leaving the club in January, and calls for a new striker have grown louder in recent weeks.
Idah should have had at least two goals against the Saints, missing great chances that would have eased any nerves inside Celtic Park. While his movement and work rate were there, his finishing once again let him down on a day when Celtic needed to kill the game off early.
Rodgers, however, was keen to praise the striker’s overall performance, highlighting his contribution to the team’s attacking play and pressing. He also pointed to the importance of fresh legs at this stage of the season.
He said: (Sky Sports), “Yeah, well, the guys that started, I thought Adam (Idah) was excellent. The two eights were very, very good.
“But you’re trying to give a fresh energy, like I said, at this period of the season where new legs can give you that little extra burst.
“We know that Luke can score, and I think it’s important to still have goal scorers on the pitch. He’s worked his space really well and finished it superbly.
“So yeah, I’m so pleased for all the players, and they deserved it.”
Rodgers’ support for Idah will be seen by some as a way to keep the striker’s confidence high after a frustrating start to the new campaign. The Irishman has the strength and movement to get into good positions, but the goals didn’t come today and the spotlight is already on him.
Celtic can’t afford wastefulness in front of goal if they want to set the pace early in the season. Since Kyogo left, there hasn’t been a proven number nine leading the line, and many will be watching closely to see if Idah can fill that role or if the club looks to strengthen before the window closes.
Idah’s position as Celtic’s main striker could depend on how quickly he turns performances like today into goals. Rodgers clearly values his work rate and link-up play, but strikers are judged on how often they find the net.
If Idah can hit form quickly, he could cement his place and silence the early doubts. If not, the calls for a new signing will grow even louder before the month is out.
