Callum McGregor has backed Adam Idah after the striker came in for criticism following his first full season as a permanent Celtic player.
Idah scored 20 goals in 53 games last season. He wasn’t always a regular starter, but still made a strong impact in front of goal during a stop-start campaign for the team.
Some have questioned his place in Brendan Rodgers’ plans going forward, but McGregor believes he’s more than proved his worth.
The captain pointed to Idah’s development over the past year and a half and praised the role he’s played in helping Celtic win silverware. From scoring crucial goals during his loan spell to hitting good numbers last season, McGregor says the striker has made his mark.
He said: (the 42), “He has the world at his feet with the ability and the talent he’s got.
“He’s been excellent, and still a young player who’s developing and learning all the time.
“His impact, even when he came on loan for the six months the season before, he scored some big goals and helped us to the title that year and the double. Then his first full season last year, had a great goal return. He’ll get better and improve with more games and more experience.
“He’s someone I’ve been hugely impressed with, and someone who has the world at his feet with the ability and the talent he’s got. We’ll continue to push him and try to get the maximum that we can out of him, because he’s a top young player.”
Idah’s goal record shows he can make a difference, even when he’s not starting every week. He’s known for scoring important goals, especially during his loan spell when Celtic were pushing for the title, something that hasn’t been forgotten inside the dressing room.
Some fans have raised doubts about his consistency, but McGregor’s comments make it clear the striker is still seen as an important player for the team.
After getting a full pre-season under Brendan Rodgers, expectations are growing for what he can deliver.
If Idah can start more games and keep finding the net, the criticism is likely to ease. McGregor’s support highlights the belief within the squad that the Irish forward can play a big part again this season.
