ADAM IDAH is a man on a double mission at Hampden this afternoon.
The Republic of Ireland international striker is hoping to get the nod to figure at some stage of the Scottish Cup Final encounter against Philippe Clement’s Ibrox side at Hampden.
And the powerhouse frontman hopes to persuade Brendan Rodgers he is worth the reported £5million transfer fee being demanded by Championship outfit Norwich City to make the loan switch a permanent move.
Idah, 23, has claimed eight goals since his January arrival and has proved to be a worthy replacement in some outings for Kyogo Furuhashi.
POWERING ON…Adam Idah bursts between Kilmarnock duo David Watson and Liam Donnelly on his way to helping Celtic to a third successive title.
The Japanese attacker is likely to be in at the kick-off in the derby confrontation as the Hoops chase a league and Cup double.
The champions have already beaten their city foes three times on their way to a third successive Premiership title with a 3-3 draw at Ibrox in the other outing where Idah thumped in the visitors’ third after coming off the bench.
Rodgers will not hesitate to utilise the qualities of the Cork-born forward in the silverware showdown at the national stadium as the curtain comes down on a topsy-turvy campaign.
Extolling the virtues of the strapping six-footer, the Irish gaffer, speaking to Celtic TV, said: “I wanted two players who have top-end qualities that I can use in different types of games.
“Adam has been a real catalyst for us since he has come in, there is no question about it. His coming in has elevated the team and it has elevated Kyogo’s game.
CROWNING GLORY…Adam Idah celebrates with Matt O’Riley, Alistair Johnston and Daizen Maeda after netting the early breakthrough goal in the 5-0 title-clinching win at Rugby Park.
“He has someone there who is a big talent and who is only going to get better.
“Just being able to put him in, either to start a game or bring him into a game and give Kyogo a rest, it’s great to have that.
“I just know that whichever one I play or if I have to bring one off the bench they are ready.”
The Parkhead men clinched their twelfth title in 13 years – and 54th crown in their history – with a rollicking 5-0 triumph over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park 10 days ago.
Idah got the ball rolling in the fifth minute that memorable evening in Ayrshire and the up-and-at-em raider is ready to play his part again today.
An impressive display will go a long way to convincing Rodgers he is worth a long-term contract.
*DON’T miss the unbeatable match report and best action images from Celtic v Rangers this afternoon – only in your champion CQN.
