Adam Idah has come under heavy fire after Celtic’s tight 1-0 win over St Mirren on Sunday, with many unhappy about his missed chances at Celtic Park. Leading the line in the Premiership opener, the striker couldn’t find the net despite having opportunities to kill the game off.
The Ireland international hit the post in the second half when he got on the end of a cross, and he also passed up two good headed chances during his 72 minutes on the park. He saw little of the ball in dangerous areas overall, managing just eight touches inside the box and winning only one ground duel.
That display has raised questions about whether Idah can provide the clinical edge needed to justify his £9 million transfer fee. Some supporters have already voiced doubts over the signing, with calls for Celtic to bring in another striker before the transfer window shuts.
Former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew, though, has moved to defend the under-pressure frontman. He stressed that Idah offers more than just goals and believes his finishing will come good if he keeps working hard.
He said: (Go Radio Football Show), “Idah was fine yesterday.
“He’ll have a good season for Celtic. He had a couple of headers and that volley that came off the post — unlucky. He does the hard work and the goals will come.
“I still think Celtic need another striker to compete with Idah and keep the standard high.”
Mulgrew’s comments match the view of Brendan Rodgers, who has often praised Idah’s movement, link-up play and strength, even when his finishing has been questioned. The former Celtic skipper believes those qualities will lead to a more steady flow of goals over time.
The pressure on Idah will remain, and supporters wanting sharp finishing in close games. Every miss will be picked apart, particularly when Celtic’s control of a match isn’t shown in the score line.
Celtic’s £9 million spend on Idah means patience will run thin if his scoring record doesn’t improve soon. But with both Rodgers and Mulgrew backing him, the Irish striker knows he still has key people on his side.
Now it’s up to Idah to repay that faith by finding the net more often, starting in the next game against Aberdeen at Pittodrie, where another quiet day in front of goal would bring the same strong criticism.
