Adam Idah has come under fresh scrutiny, with former Republic of Ireland international Andy Townsend warning that Celtic – and Brendan Rodgers – won’t wait forever for the striker to fulfil his potential.
Celtic splashed £9.5 million on the Irishman following his promising six-month loan spell from Norwich City, where his nine goals in 19 appearances included decisive strikes in derbies, cup ties, and crucial away fixtures.
However, this season has seen Idah struggle to replicate that form, managing just 14 goals in 45 appearances and rarely offering the same level of impact in key moments.
Townsend questioned Idah’s consistency and mentality, and suggested that another striker could soon be on the cards for Celtic if the 23-year-old doesn’t raise his game.
“Celtic spent on Adam Idah last summer, but it wouldn’t surprise me if they go and buy another striker this summer and I think they will,” Townsend told BoyleSports, who offer the latest Champions League odds
“That’s been Adam’s problem. Wherever he has been you are looking at him and thinking that there is probably more in there to give and I don’t think it’s always coaches that can do it.
“I don’t think it’s always managers that can find that. It has to come within how much you really want it. He needs that edge, Adam. I don’t think it’s quite there yet.
“Now he’s an experienced boy. He’s been around long enough and I think he’s got to hurry up and find that extra 10, 15%, which is required, I think, to nail a position down somewhere consistently where he is absolutely the number one, whether it’s club or country, he’s not really been able to do that.
“If he’s not careful, someone else will come in at Celtic because Brendan Rodgers is not going to wait, Celtic never wait and they’ve lost Kyogo Furuhashi but they do have Daizen Maeda who poses more of a threat down the middle.
“Adam has got to take the opportunities that he’s being given. He came off the bench for Ireland and got himself a goal, that is good, but there’s more to come from him.
“He needs a big summer. He needs a strong summer. He needs to look after himself physically and be in great condition when he returns, but mentally find another dimension to add something to his game.”
With Kyogo having moved on and Daizen Maeda now flourishing through the middle, the pressure is mounting on Idah to prove he can be Celtic’s go-to striker – and soon.
We hear all the time that players need a pre-season with the club to really get into the swing of things. Adam Idah missed out on that last season, with his move taking place late on in the window.
Rodgers has shown he’s willing to trust Idah, but with summer transfer plans already being mapped out, time may be running out for the Irishman to cement his place as Celtic’s number nine.
