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Football

24th Oct 2024

Celtic legend questions signing of Ireland striker Adam Idah

Ryan Price

One of the club’s most successful strikers has doubts about the quality of the Cork-born forward.

John Hartson has questioned the quality of Republic of Ireland striker Adam Idah after he has struggled to find form after signing for Celtic on a five-year deal in August.

Most Celtic fans will be over the moon with the team’s start to this season. They’re currently top of the Scottish Premiership and unbeaten in the Champions League.

BERGAMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 23: Players of Celtic FC greet their fans during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Atalanta BC and Celtic FC at Stadio di Bergamo on October 23, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)

Despite not starting much, Idah has chipped in with four goals in eleven games.

The Douglas native spent the latter half of last season on loan with the Hoops, bagging eight goals in fifteen league appearances.

Brendan Rodgers decided over the summer to offer him a permanent contract in a deal worth £9.5 million, which was paid to his former club Norwich.

He cemented his place in the hearts of Celtic fans with a Scottish Cup final winner against arch-rivals Rangers back in May.

This season has been less exciting for Idah, having just made three starts and struggling to get past the in-form Kyogo in the teamsheet.

Now, a club legend who scored 88 goals in 146 appearances for the club between 2001 and 2006, is casting doubt over whether or not the signing of the Irishman was the right move.

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show podcast, the 49-year-old ex-Wales international said: “They went for Adam Idah – I think we all got, not sucked in, but we were all impressed last season. He made a real big hero of himself. Big name for himself. Scored some big goals, by the way, in the run-in.

“He hasn’t hit the ground running,” he added. “One of them reasons is that it’s very hard to dislodge Kyogo Furuhashi. Sometimes when you feel that you are next man in and not the number one striker, it can give you that lack of confidence.

“I am not going to criticise him too much, but I am not sure who else Celtic had their eye on last season. He cost £9 million. A lot of the fans might just say well. Could we have got a better [striker]?”

He continued: “One of the reasons why Celtic took him is because he did so well on loan. He seemed the obvious one.”

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