ADAM IDAH fired blanks for the TWELFTH successive game in Celtic’s 3-3 draw with Dundee at Dens Park.
It was left to midfielders Luke McCowan and Arne Engels (pen) and winger Yang Hyun-jun to get the goals that gave the champions a point in a fumbling, mystifying outing on Tayside.
Idah has started the past four fixtures – and been substituted in all of them – as he has toiled to get the ball in the opponents’ net.
The last time the Republic of Ireland international frontman achieved the feat was on November 30 at Parkhead when he claimed the final goal in a 5-0 romp against the Highlanders.
CAPITAL SHOW…happier times for Adam Idah as he celebrates one of his double in Celtic’s 4-1 win over Hearts at Tynecastle in November. James Forrest races to join in.
Idah, Celtic’s second most expensive player in history after joining on a permanent basis from Norwich City in a £9.5million deal in the summer, passed up a glorious chance on Tayside that would have made life a lot more comfortable for the Hoops last night.
Following McCowan’s headed early opener, the powerhouse attack-leader was ideally placed to stick a second behind Trevor Carson in the 18th minute, but he inexplicably missed a perfect low pass from Kyogo Furuhashi, operating on the right wing to make way for Idah through the centre.
It was no surprise the misfiring marksman was hooked just after the hour mark with Nicolas Kuhn coming on as a replacement to occupy his usual wide right berth and the Japanese ace moving back to the No.9 position.
Idah cut a frustrating figure as he trudged off Dens Park, but he escaped criticism from Brendan Rodgers, the manager who had prioritised the hitman’s signing following his nine strikes – including the Scottish Cup winner against Philippe Clement’s Ibrox also-rans on May 25 – during his short-term loan from Carrow Road.
AIMING HIGH…Adam Idah goes for the ball in the 2-1 win over Ross County in Dingwall in October with Alistair Johnston poised to move in.
That is one more goal than the burly forward has claimed in 31 appearances this season which has prompted suggestions he is not as hungry as he was when he arrived a year ago with a lot to prove and a full-time contract to chase at his boyhood idols.
Reflecting on a contest the Hoops dominated and had to be content with a point thanks to a stoppage-time spot-kick from £11million man Engels, Rodgers, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “We had good chances. We were switching the game well against their shape and had some good opportunities.
“We get the second goal then it can be a really good place in the game. We didn’t do that and we get punished.
“My main worry is from a defensive perspective. It’s always difficult if you’re a striker, but if they’re pressing and running hopefully others will contribute.”
Idah headed straight up the tunnel after coming off the pitch, but returned shortly afterwards to sit on the bench.
His boss explained: “He went to get something warmer then he came back.”

DOWN AND OUT…Adam Idah is floored after the Champions League drubbing in Dortmund in October.
Rodgers may be loathe to criticise the off-form frontman, but former Hoops gaffer Neil Lennon, part of the Sky Sports team at Dens Park, didn’t hold back.
The club great informed viewers: “He’s got to do better, it’s as simple as that.
“He should have scored first-half. He makes some runs, but keeps going instead of changing his runs.
“At times, he’s got to hold the ball up a lot better and he’s got to get on the end of crosses. There’s one that came in far post and he more or less ducked out of it when he should be going at attacking it.”
Lennon added: “I think he’s got good attributes, but he’s got to do a lot more. If I’m the captain in there, Callum, I’m going: ‘Come on, we need more out of you’.
“If Celtic are in the final third, he’s got to stay central and link the play up a bit better, as well.”
Idah has some questions to answer and it may be thirteenth time lucky if he gets the nod to play against Kilmarnock at Parkhead on Saturday night as the holders kick off the defence of their Scottish Cup.