Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has publicly lauded Adam Idah for raising levels in his team as the club considers making his stay permanent.
Idah has been a superb loan signing since arriving in the winter transfer window. He’s scored eight goals in 18 matches even though he’s been primarily used as a substitute.
Celtic needed another option to push Kyogo Furuhashi in that central striking position. Idah not only provides that competition but an alternative, more physical approach to matches that changes up the Bhoys’ style of attack when needed.
Having both of them around has been a big help to the team’s form in the second half of the season. Their goals are a big reason why Celtic retained the Scottish Premiership title, despite rarely playing together.
Now Rodgers has made it clear that he thinks Idah is only going to improve in the future.
Adam Idah lauded as Celtic ‘catalyst’
Speaking in a media conference this week, the Celtic manager said [Celtic FC]: “It’s what I wanted. I wanted two players who have top-end qualities that I can use in different types of games.
“Adam has been a real catalyst for us since he has come in, there is no question about it. His coming in has elevated the team and it has elevated Kyogo’s game. He has someone there who is a big talent and who is only going to get better.
“Just being able to put him in, either to start a game or bring him into a game and give Kyogo a rest, it’s great to have that. I just know that whichever one I play or if I have to bring one off the bench they are ready.”
Celtic have a decision to make on Adam Idah pursuit
It certainly sounds as if Rodgers would be keen on retaining Idah’s services but Celtic can’t call the shots on that unless they meet Norwich City’s asking price.
There’s no buy clause included in Idah’s loan deal meaning that this weekend’s Scottish Cup final could be the Republic of Ireland international’s last match for the Bhoys.
Reports indicate that Norwich could be looking for at least £5m for the forward so whether Celtic value him at that kind of price remains to be seen.
There may even be other teams interested in his services, although Idah himself hasn’t exactly hidden how much he enjoys playing in Glasgow.
Whether he stays or goes, the move for the striker in January can be considered a success. Idah will be desperate to reinforce that and sign off the season with a big contribution against Rangers this weekend.