‘Absolute Steal’: Sutton Urges £3 million Deal

Chris Sutton believes Adam Idah would be “an absolute steal” if Brendan Rodgers could buy the striker from Norwich City for £3 million.

The on-loan 23-year-old Republic of Ireland international striker increased his goal total to six in as many starts when he rifled home the third at Ibrox on Sunday.

Idah’s whiplash low attempt eluded keeper Jack Butland at his left to put the champions ahead 3-2 in the 87th minute, but the frontman was denied a legendary winner when some poor defensive play allowed Rabbi Motondo to thump in the stoppage-time equaliser to make the final score 3-3.

Former Parkhead striker Sutton has been impressed by the Cork-born forward, who joined on a temporary move from the Championship club in January.

The media pundit stated, “The one thing you noticed last weekend was the bench was much stronger than it has been. You look at the impact Adam Idah had when he came on.

“There’s an argument he should have been introduced sooner, but he put himself about and was unlucky not to be the matchwinner.

“I thought some of the criticism of Jack Butland was harsh as it was a tremendous finish from the Irishman for the third goal, through the defender and right down low towards the keeper’s leg.

“If it wasn’t for Rabbi Matondo’s sublime equaliser, Idah would have gone down as an Old Firm hero.

“As it was, he has only added to his case for a permanent transfer this summer. That’s six goals in just nine games for Idah – and only six starts– and I’m sure Norwich City fans will be wondering where it’s come from.

“I don’t. I’ve always said he has ability and sometimes it just needs a change of scenery for a player to spark into life.”

Sutton told the Daily Record:  “By all accounts, Idah was the one who really pushed for the move to Celtic and he’s grabbed his chance. It wasn’t easy when he came in, but he’s won over a lot of supporters.

“There was some talk when he arrived that it would cost around £3million to get him on a permanent deal and if that’s the figure this summer, it would be an absolute steal.

“Idah has shown he can bring something different to the attack. Kyogo will always be the main man when fit, but it’s important to have a different option in certain games or coming off the bench.

“When you consider some of the cash spent on strikers at Celtic in recent years, that would be small change to land a player who still has more developing to do and plenty of potential.

“If Idah does the business in the remainder of the campaign, it would be a crying shame not to buy him.”

Idah is expected to return to the standby squad, with Kyogo Furuhashi leading the line against St Mirren at Parkhead tomorrow afternoon.

However, he is certain to make an appearance at some point throughout the proceedings.

In other nrews, Chris Sutton explains how the postponement of the Dundee v Rangers match could hurt Celtic.