BRENDAN RODGERS has warned loan Bhoy Adam Idah there is a lot of hard work ahead if he wants to achieve his ambitions.
The Republic of Ireland striker, who celebrates his 23rd birthday today, got his Celtic career off to a perfect start with two impeccable penalty-kicks on his first start against Hibs at Easter Road in midweek.
Idah, who signed a temporary contract from Norwich City until the end of the season, made his debut as a second-half substitute and set up the equaliser for another new recruit, Nicolas Kuhn, in the 1-1 draw with Aberdeen at Pittodrie four days earlier.
Rodgers saw enough to pitch the powerhouse in at the kick-off in Edinburgh and the Cork-born frontman repaid his manager’s faith with a double salvo in the dramatic late 2-1 victory.
SPOT ON…Adam Idah races away in delight after scoring his first penalty-kick in Celtic’s 2-1 win over Hibs at Easter Road. Daizen Maeda is about to be first to congratulate the loan Bhoy.
However, the Hoops gaffer had a word of caution for the international hitman when he said: “Adam has scored two goals in his first start – two big pressure goals – but he can’t get too carried away.
“This is a club where you need to win. And as a No.9 here, it’s about scoring goals. Adam knows he will be idolised here if he can do that.
“That’s his ambition.”
Rodgers, speaking to the Sunday Mail, added: “But I’ve seen plenty of talented players not make it. There are players I’ve spoken to later in their lives, who had that potential but couldn’t quite pull it together mentally.
“That’s why having mental toughness is key to being a top player. You are going to have to go through so much on and off the pitch.”
JOY BHOYS…Adam Idah and Anthony Ralston show their delight after the new Bhoy’s stoppage-time winner with Matt O’Riley about to join in the celebrations.
Idah is hoping he has done enough to convince his manager to give him another starting berth for the Scottish Cup fifth round encounter against St Mirren in Paisley today.
Rodgers brought on Kyogo Furuhashi for midfielder Paulo Bernardo in the 71st minute in Edinburgh to add firepower as the visitors toiled in their efforts to get the all-important winner.
The substitution worked when the Japanese raider was downed in the box in the 89th minute and, after a VAR review, Idah was given the opportunity to sweep a second spot-kick past David Marshall.
The forward kept his nerve to claim the second and points-clinching goal.
Now Rodgers must be pondering starting the double-act in the Scottish Cup confrontation.
* DON’T miss the unbeatable match report and best action images from St Mirren v Celtic this afternoon – only in your champion CQN.
