Adam Idah has shaken off a knee injury to earn a place on the bench for tonight’s Champions League play-off second leg against Kairat Almaty.

The Irish striker had been a major doubt heading into the match, but has recovered enough to be included in Brendan Rodgers’ matchday squad.

Idah missed Saturday’s 3-0 win over Livingston, with Brendan Rodgers confirming he was dealing with a knock that made him “touch and go” for this crucial tie.

Despite that, he travelled with the team on Monday and was assessed after training in Almaty before being given the green light to feature.

His return, even as a substitute, gives Celtic a timely lift. With Kyogo sold in January and no like-for-like replacement yet signed, Rodgers has limited options up top.

Idah has led the line in recent weeks and, while he’s still looking for his first goal of the new campaign, his physical presence and work rate have been important for the side.

In a match where Celtic need to score to go through, having another option off the bench could be decisive. Rodgers will hope the starting front line can do the damage early, but if the game is tight in the second half, Idah offers a reliable plan B.

The Hoops must now deliver in what promises to be a tense, high-pressure 90 minutes in Almaty. The Champions League and a £40 million windfall are on the line. Celtic are expected to go with experience from the start, but having Idah available in reserve strengthens their hand.

He might not be fully fit, but his inclusion is a boost, and he could still have a key part to play in deciding Celtic’s European fate.