When Celtic spent £9m to bring the Republic of Ireland striker back to Parkhead permanently, it was a clear statement of faith from Brendan Rodgers and the board.
The logic was simple – he had shown enough in his loan spell to justify being part of the club’s long-term attacking plans. But as we feel our way into the new campaign, the question looms large: is Idah truly delivering on that investment?
The numbers tell one side of the story. Twenty goals in his first full season is nothing to be scoffed at, but the devil is in the detail. Too many of those goals have come when Celtic were already in control, rather than in moments where a clinical striker is needed to swing a match. In tight games, Idah has too often been on the periphery rather than the protagonist.
This is not about a lack of ability. At 6ft 3in, with pace to burn and a powerful shot, Idah has the physical attributes to bully Premiership defences and trouble any backline in Europe. Teammates like Callum McGregor and Liam Scales have spoken publicly about his potential, praising his movement and attitude.
Celtic cannot afford a passenger in attack. In a team expected to dominate domestically and compete in Europe, every forward needs to be a difference-maker. Confidence is key for strikers, and Idah looks like a player searching for it. He needs to show that ruthless streak, demand the ball in dangerous areas, and take games by the scruff of the neck.
£9m or not, the reality at Celtic is brutal – if you don’t perform, chances are limited. Brendan Rodgers has already hinted that competition up top is necessary. Right now, he will get more game time because of Celtic’s striking situation, but for how long if he continues to draw a blank?
That said, it’s far from too late. We’ve seen glimpses of the match-winner Idah can be – big goals in big games. If he can rediscover that swagger and marry it with consistency, there’s every chance he can turn a corner and make himself undroppable.
For his sake, and for Celtic’s, you hope that moment comes sooner rather than later.
