Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed the thinking behind his decision to start Adam Idah over Kyogo Furuhashi.
The Irishman spoke pre-match going into detail over a big call ahead of the game.
Rodgers said: [Celtic TV], “I think it’s a pitch that has been tricky for us, especially with how Kilmarnock will play at times, very much man-to-man. Sometimes that’s a challenge to get through in that first phase, so having Adam allows us to go over the top of that pressure and obviously gives us that bit of physicality.
“So, he comes in. I think it’s been the beauty of having two different types of strikers, both fast, one more physical, one more about speed and movement. So, obviously, I feel this is a game I can use Adam in, and Kyogo is there to come off the bench if required.”
Clearly, Rodgers’ decision is not physical, with no injury, and instead, tactical, looking to use Idah’s physicality over Kyogo’s movement.
It’s an interesting decision from the Irishman.
In what could be a huge moment for Idah, looking to make his loan spell from Norwich City permanent in the summer, if he is the man who seals the league title, it’s hard to argue against signing him permanently.
With Rodgers not as reliant on Kyogo as Ange Postecoglou was, there is room in the summer for Idah to become the Hoops’ number one striker.
