‘HE WASN’T A LAST-MINUTE CHOICE’: WHY CELTIC STAR ‘EXCITES’ RODGERS

Brendan Rodgers believes Adam Idah has a bright future at Celtic.
And the Hoops boss was quick to dismiss criticism that the 22-year-old Republic of Ireland international striker was “a last-minute” addition to the champions.
Powerhouse frontman Idah signed a short-term loan deal from Norwich City to Parkhead on deadline day, but Rodgers insists it wasn’t a late deal just to bring in another forward.

The 51-year-old manager had no hesitation in bringing on the imposing 6ft-plus attacker before the hour mark, with the visitors trailing to a Bojan Miovski goal at Pittodrie the previous weekend. Within minutes, the new Bhoy had combined with Nicolas Kuhn, another January signing, to score the equaliser against Aberdeen.
Unfortunately, the Hoops’ scoring ended there on a day when they dropped two points in their bid for a twelfth championship in 13 years.
Rodgers’ team is now tied for first place in the Premiership with 58 points, after Philippe Clements’ side defeated the Dons 2-1 at Ibrox last night.

The Hoops have a one-goal advantage in goal difference as they prepare for tonight’s match against Hibs at Easter Road, where a win is essential.

When asked if Idah is ready to make his first start in Edinburgh, Rodgers responded unequivocally: “Oh yes, without a doubt. The thing is, he’s already played 20 or so games this season before joining us.”

“So he’s game-ready and fit and ready to play. If I can help him develop his talent, he has the potential to be a top-level striker. He’s not just a boy who, even if you max everything, can only reach a certain level. This is everything: 6’2”, power, and speed.

“So, once he develops relationships with the other players and runs – and we’ll play to his strengths because he prefers to run in behind – he’ll be a real handful.

“Then working with him on the training pitch and seeing his finishing yesterday – left foot, right foot, spin, strike – he was absolutely brilliant.”If I can help him develop his talent, he has the potential to be a top-level striker. He’s not just a boy who, even if you max everything, can only reach a certain level. This is everything: 6’2”, power, and speed.

“So, once he develops relationships with the other players and runs – and we’ll play to his strengths because he prefers to run in behind – he’ll be a real handful.

“Then working with him on the training pitch and seeing his finishing yesterday – left foot, right foot, spin, strike – he was absolutely brilliant.”When I last came here, we had the beginnings of what would be a fantastic combination between Moussa Dembele and Odsonne Edouard.

“It was all set and very exciting, but we obviously lost one. But there’s a chance we can do that in the coming months to provide that threat and quality while maintaining the structure we want to play with.”

Some Celtic fans were dissatisfied with the signing of a player from an English second-tier team who had not received regular first-team starts at Carrow Road. They had hoped for a well-known capture to challenge and support Kyogo Furuhashi at the forefront of the attack.

Rodgers told the Daily Record: “I’ve had that with a number of players. I remember taking Wayne Routledge to Swansea, and the experience was not dissimilar.

“I saw him as a 19-year-old coming through Crystal Palace’s academy. He was a fantastic player, but when Crystal Palace was relegated from the Premier League, he moved to Tottenham and then had a couple of other moves that did not work out for him.

“We signed him from Newcastle because I knew what he was capable of doing. He might have just gotten lost for a brief period in his career. He may have been slightly broken.So, could we put him back together and restore his confidence? He was absolutely fantastic for Swansea.

“Now I see this guy here, and he has everything. However, something appears to have gone wrong.

“He’s had a few injuries, and sometimes a young player coming up at his own club doesn’t get a chance to stay in the team, especially when you’re at the bottom of the league and need experience.

“But he’s come through that – he’s played over 100-odd games and has 25 international caps and sometimes now, by moving away, it can make him feel like he is now ready to perform.”

Rodgers went on to say, “Whether he stays here for four months or four years, this experience will expose him to proper football. It will teach him how to come here, win, and improve his game.

“He was not a ‘last-minute’ option. It was about availability.

“I only wanted to bring in someone who would excite me and add to this team, not just a journeyman striker who could come in as a second choice. I would rather give that opportunity to our younger players.

“But Adam is a genuine player and a huge talent if he can perform consistently. And I’m thrilled about it.”

in other news, Bosun Lawal: A Rising Star on Loan Who Could Join Celtic’s First Team?