Celtic have been told they are signing a player who can ‘make the difference’ in the Scottish Premiership title race as Republic of Ireland international Adam Idah arrives from Norwich City.
As far as Canaries legend Bryan Gunn is concerned, Adam Idah’s rather underwhelming tally of seven goals from 34 appearances this season says less about him and more about the lack of creativity in the Norwich squad.
Idah, Gunn argues, has been starved of service during a difficult few months for David Wagner’s side. That will not be an issue north of the border, however, Celtic’s domestic dominance ensuring they tend to provide goalscoring opportunities at a rather fearsome rate for their own centre-forwards, with Idah set to join Kyogo Furuhashi and Oh-Hyeon Gyu at Parkhead.
Celtic to sign Norwich City striker Adam Idah
“From Norwich’s point of view, he has a good ratio of goals per chance. The problem is, he’s not really had a lot of chances,” Gunn, capped six times by Scotland in the 1990s, tells the Daily Record.
“His conversion rate is impressive. If he gets (chances) at Celtic – and I’m sure he will because of the amount of entries into the penalty box, shots on goal and rebounds – they’re probably getting themselves a young player who can certainly add to their goal tally.
“And that could make the difference between them and Rangers in the race to the title.”
Celtic, HITC Football understands, have agreed an initial loan deal for Idah. There is no option or obligation-to-buy clause in his Hoops contract, though Brendan Rodgers could look to keep the pacey 22-year-old on a permanent basis should he live up to Gunn’s expectations.
Seven goals this season
“He’s certainly got the qualities,” the iconic goalkeeper adds of Idah, who’s ‘power, strength and pace’ were highlighted by former Celtic defender and Ireland ace Shane Duffy recently.
“Watch out because hopefully you’re going to get something special from Adam.”
“He broke onto the scene as a teenager and even though he was still young at that time he was physically strong enough to cope with the demands of playing at that level. He’s well built, he’s quick and on his day he’ll finish.”
Idah’s place at Norwich could be taken – ironically enough – by a man who has been linked regularly with Celtic over the last few months. Sydney van Hooijdonk, the son of ex-Hoops striker Pierre, could move to Carrow Road from Bologna on deadline day.
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