Adam Idah’s future at Celtic has come under fresh scrutiny after Chris Sutton delivered an honest assessment of the £9 million striker’s first full season in Glasgow.
Signed from Norwich City last summer, Idah arrived with high expectations after his heroics on loan in the previous season; however, he hasn’t matched that level of consistency.
The Irishman hit an impressive 20 goals in all competitions last season, but questions remain over whether he can be the long-term answer to replacing Kyogo’s consistent goal threat.
His performances since stepping into the main striker role have been mixed, with some fans calling for a marquee forward signing this summer to lead the line.
Brendan Rodgers’ decision to use Daizen Maeda ahead of Idah in the central role at times last season was telling. Despite being the club’s most expensive striker in recent years, Idah found himself on the bench for key matches, suggesting the manager is yet to be fully convinced.
Sutton believes the 24-year-old still has plenty to offer, but insists he must prove he can deliver at the highest level on a regular basis.
He said: (Daily Record YouTube), “I think he’s got some good attributes, but you only have to look at Brendan last season, selling Kyogo. We all thought, ‘oh, well, this is Adam Idah’s chance.’ And then Daizen Maeda was in as the central striker ahead of him. That sort of tells you everything you need to know.
“It doesn’t mean Brendan doesn’t rate him. He is a development player, and that’s Brendan’s strong suit as a coach. Of course, there’s time. But he can be frustrating — you can’t get away from that.
“That’s why you need strength in depth, maybe a different sort of striker, and certainly Kyogo offered that. Maeda is slightly different. He did brilliantly when he was sent forward, but Kyogo was different. Do Celtic have that quality on the bench? I’m not so sure they do.
“Adam Idah still got 20 goals last season, but could they get better? Should they have better? That’s a fair debate. And Idah has to prove it. Yesterday, the one he smashed against the post late on — that’s an opportunity he should have absolutely buried. He can frustrate at times, but he does some good things as well. There’s plenty of room to develop, just as Arne Engels has as well.
“But you say he’s going to play because he’s a £9 million player? He didn’t last season.
“That’s why there’s doubt, not just among the Celtic support but probably with the manager as well. You always have to try and get better. But I do think he has a lot to offer Celtic — I certainly wouldn’t be dismissive of him.
“It’s a big season for him. Brendan’s skill set is developing players, and he’s one where I think everyone will be watching, as with a lot of players, to see if he’s going to make that next step up.”
With Celtic set to compete on several fronts, the striker role is still a major talking point. Rodgers has backed Idah at times but has also turned to other options when it mattered most. That shows the Irishman still has work to do if he wants to make the position his own.
The need for a proven goalscorer remains. Idah’s tally of 20 goals looks strong on paper, but Celtic’s attack often benefits from a striker with the sharpness and consistency Kyogo once brought. For some, that quality is still missing.
This summer may be crucial for Idah’s future at the club. If Celtic sign another top striker, competition will be fierce and Idah will have to deliver regular performances to keep his place.
Sutton’s comments reflect the current feeling around Parkhead. There is some optimism about what Idah can offer, but there is also a clear sense that this season will decide if he can truly lead the line for Celtic.
