ADAM IDAH fired blanks in the first game of his season of truth.
The powerhouse frontman failed to score or inspire in Celtic’s Flag Day triumph where it was left to substitute Luke McCowan to claim the only goal of the encounter against a well-drilled St Mirren at Parkhead a week ago.
Idah had already been removed from the action by Brendan Rodgers by the time the energetic midfielder had netted the points-clincher in the 87th minute.
The Republic of Ireland international frontman endured a frustrating 78 minutes before being withdrawn to make way for Johnny Kenny as the hosts were forced to battle all the way for an opening-day success against the Paisley outfit.
KNOCK ON WOOD…Adam Idah thumps a close-range shot onto the St Mirren upright.
Idah even fluffed the opportunity to get on the scoresheet in the 72nd minute when he lashed a shot against the left-hand post from four yards when he opted for power rather than precision and a marvellous opportunity was scorned.
Martin O’Neill believes this is a massive season for the 24-year-old attack-leader who cost £9.5million when he signed a permanent deal from Norwich City last summer after his Scottish Cup Final heroics while on loan in the second half of the previous campaign.
The former Hoops boss, who was aware of the emerging talent of the Cork-born Idah when he was a 17-year-old rookie, said: “I did watch his career, but it was grinding to a bit of a halt at Norwich, not getting into the side.
“I thought that stepping up to Celtic might be too much for him. So, well done to him.
“He’s got a lot to live up to if he’s going to lead the line at Celtic this season. As a centre-forward, you’re expected to score goals, a lot of goals, as well.
“And you’re expected to be able to beat players, hold it up, run down the channels, do everything.
“Brendan should be able to teach him the game. He’s improved since Norwich. He’s made that step up.
THAT’S HOW TO DO IT…Adam Idah turns away after leaving Aberdeen keeper Dimitar Mitov helpless as he claims Celtic’s final goal in the 5-1 win at Pittodrie in May.
“He’s gone from there, where he wasn’t playing regularly in a Championship side, and there he is at Celtic.
“But this is a big season for him. If he’s going to start, this is a really big season.”
Idah netted 20 goals last season and it had been hoped he could take over the spearhead role vacated by Kyogo Furuhashi after his £10million switch to Rennes in January.
However, it didn’t quite work out as planned and Rodgers was forced to bring in Maeda from the left flank to lead the attack.
Idah has failed to convince some of the Celtic support who make relentless demands upon the players who are wearing the green and white hoops.
O’Neill, speaking to the Daily Record, continued: “That’s the nature of the game. I just think you have to cut ‘the noise’.
“It’s there every single week. You think you can be doing really well for a period of three months, then you might go four games without scoring a goal, and those three months suddenly disappear completely.
“That’s called playing for the Old Firm. You’ve got to deal with it.
EURO STAR…Adam Idah celebrates one of his double against Aston Villa in the Midlands in January during Celtic’s 4-2 loss.
“I went to the Champions League game at Villa Park and he scored twice. You’re talking about a team flying high in the Premier League.
“So, if you can’t get confidence from that, you’ll never get it.”
Looking at the remaining 23 days of the transfer window, the Irishman added: “I’m hoping that Celtic get a few players in.
“I’ve been in the same situation as a manager when we haven’t done business early on.
“Brendan wants to improve the team. I would be astonished if the board and Dermot Desmond didn’t want to improve the team.
“Each day that counts down, I suppose, you get worried. I was exactly the same.
“As a manager, you’re definitely looking to try and improve the team.
“You would say that at this minute, if Celtic are going to maintain last season’s form, particularly in the Champions League, then you would think that you would need a bit of help.”
Idah and his team-mates step back into the spotlight against Scottish Cup conquerors Aberdeen at Pittodrie in today’s 12.30pm kick-off.
And once again, the strapping frontman will have questions to answer.
