CELTIC goal hero John Hartson insists Adam Idah will “get better and better”.
The Republic of Ireland international striker rifled in his 18th goal of the season in the 1-1 stalemate at Ibrox on Sunday.
It’s a reasonable return from the 24-year-old powerhouse, but he has yet to convince some critics he is worth the £9.5million the champions shelled out for him last summer.
Idah, of course, impressed after arriving in January 2024 on a short-term loan deal from Championship side Norwich City, collecting nine goals including the Scottish Cup winner against Rangers at Hampden on the iconic date of May 25.
THE EQUALISER…Adam Idah lashes a drive past the challenge of Connor Barron to gain Celtic a point in the 1-1 deadlock at Ibrox.
Hartson, who cost the Hoops £6million when Martin O’Neill bought him from Coventry City in August 2001, empathises with the forward who had to battle with fans’ favourite Kyogo Furuhashi for a place up front in the first half of the campaign and now with 33-goal Daizen Maeda since the turn of the year.
Idah may have been expected to step into pole position in the attack after Kyogo moved in a £10million switch to Rennes in January, but it’s been his fellow-countryman Maeda who has been given the nod more often than not by Brendan Rodgers.
But the Cork-born frontman, who has claimed 27 goals in 68 appearances, netted a double in the 5-0 win over Dundee United at Tannadice as Celtic sealed their fourth successive title and delivered again in the final derby of the term.
Hartson said: “I’ve always been a fan of Idah.
“When he first came up, he scored nine goals between the start of his loan deal and when it ended.
“Idah came on really well last season. He is powerful, runs in behind and nine goals was a very good return.
“That loan period would have forced Celtic’s hand to go and get him.
“I’m sure they would have had one or two other options, but, because of his potential and the way he came in and did very well, that’s the reason why Celtic paid the money for him.
CELTIC SALUTE…Adam Idah acknowledges the Hoops fans as the champions celebrate his leveller.
“Remember, as well, he’s been in and out of the side. He hasn’t really been a regular.
“He was competing with Kyogo Furuhashi, who for me was world class. Then he moved to France. Of course, he also had games while Kyogo was there.
“But when Kyogo went, they moved Daizen Maeda through the middle, and he has been exceptional in the role.”
Hartson, speaking to the Scottish Sun, continued: “Last weekend at Ibrox, Idah came up with a big goal, a great turn and shot.
“He’s still a young boy and what you’ve got to remember is before he came to Celtic he was a sub for Norwich, he wasn’t in their first team.
“So, he came up to Celtic as they reckoned they could do with a centre-forward. Somebody with a bit of presence and who was a totally different player to Kyogo.
“Idah came up and I thought he did exceptionally well, but now he’s got to live up to that price tag, which he’s been doing.
“He’s come back with 18 goals this season and he’ll get better and better.”
Hartson recalled he didn’t score in his first 10 games after his big-money arrival, but went on to hit over 100 goals for the Hoops in his five years at Parkhead.
DERBY WINNER…John Hartson leaves keeper Stefan Klos helpless as he nets the only goal of the game at Ibrox in October 2003.
The Welsh legend added: “I’ve got to say, you play no part in the fee. It’s like Arne Engels.
“For me, Idah’s more than paid that price tag back. It’s £9million, no disrespect, that’s a lot of money.
“But £9million for a top striker is a snip, really, given what forwards are going for now.
“Idah’s got massive potential, playing for his country, scoring for the Republic of Ireland.
“I’m a fan, and I believe he can get even better.
“Idah’s scored nearly 30 goals in the short period that he’s been here.
“He’s got many attributes and he’ll do very well.”
