Adam Idah’s evolving role for club and country is beginning to attract praise, with Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson highlighting the Celtic striker’s growth following his latest international appearance.
Idah was handed a start in Ireland’s 1-1 draw with Senegal on Friday night, and while the fixture lacked intensity in parts, the Cork-born forward’s efforts did not go unnoticed.
The 24-year-old’s time at Celtic has helped sharpen his technical output, but it’s the contrast in responsibilities with Ireland that’s drawn attention.
Where Idah is used to playing in an attacking Celtic side that dominates possession, he’s had to adapt to a far more defensively-involved role on the international stage. Hallgrimsson believes the striker is now showing real signs of maturity in managing the demands of both.
Idah’s shift in responsibilities between club and country is no small challenge. At Celtic Park, he often leads the line in front-foot football where space is at a premium in the final third. In contrast, Ireland’s system demands a more rounded approach, including tracking back, pressing, and occupying deeper positions when the team is out of possession.
What’s clear is that the Irish manager sees potential. Idah’s physical presence and tactical flexibility offer Ireland another option up top, and the consistency in his club form appears to be transferring onto the international stage. Hallgrimsson sees Idah’s willingness to adapt as a clear positive for the future.
He said: (RecordSport), “He (Adam Idah) produced a solid performance. His workrate was, I thought, better than often before. Again, it’s healthy competition up front.
“Adam took the job seriously. Workrate has not been an issue but in his club it’s just so different a role and it’s difficult to switch.
“We need a lot of defending from our strikers and he’s just not used to it at Celtic – where they have their possession at say 60 or 70 or 80 percent in games.
“The space he needs to work on in games is small. It’s a switch and hopefully players are learning more and more. He is growing. He knows what we expect, so that’s a positive sign.”
Idah’s improved work rate was central to Hallgrimsson’s praise. With minutes still valuable in international fixtures, making the most of each opportunity has become vital for players trying to solidify their place in the squad. That urgency is something Idah seems to be embracing, with his performances now reflecting a player eager to be more than just a Plan B.
From Celtic’s point of view, seeing their striker perform confidently in a different tactical setting is no bad thing. Brendan Rodgers has spoken previously about the importance of adaptability, especially when competing across multiple competitions. If Idah continues to build on this foundation, he may return to club duties sharper and more robust.
What’s more, Ireland’s use of Idah in a deeper, more disciplined role could offer Celtic new tactical options. Whether Rodgers chooses to mirror some of that positioning or stick with the more conventional attacking setup remains to be seen, but the added strings to Idah’s bow are clear.
It’s still early in Hallgrimsson’s tenure, but his belief in Idah could prove significant. If the striker can continue balancing both roles with maturity, he’ll become a key figure for club and country heading into a crucial season.
