ADAM IDAH is already a roaring success at Celtic after his double penalty-kick strike in the champions’ dramatic 2-1 midweek triumph over Hibs at Easter Road.
The Republic of Ireland frontman celebrated his first start for his boyhood idols by firing two crucial awards beyond former Hoops keeper David Marshall who has a reputation for making fabulous saves from spot-kicks.
The ex-Scotland international No.1 famously denied Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho in one of his first appearances for the Parkhead club in a memorable goalless draw in a UEFA Cup confrontation against Barcelona at the Nou Camp in 2004.
But Marshall was sent the wrong way twice by the assured 22-year-old forward who signed a short-term loan deal from Norwich City on deadline day.
IN WITH A SHOUT…Adam Idah celebrates his winning goal along with Anthony Ralston and Maik Nawrocki.
And Idah revealed he had some extra support among the travelling contingent in Edinburgh on a tense Wednesday evening. Relatives and friends from his home city of Cork helped to raise the decibel level as the powerhouse attacker claimed his first goals for the club.
Reflecting on a whirlwind week, the Irishman said: “It’s been crazy, but fantastic. I’ve already settled in quite well here. All the boys in the changing room, the staff, the people in the city have all welcomed me in well and I’m loving life in Glasgow right now.
“The fans have been unbelievable with me around the city or on social media. I wanted to come in here, get minutes and develop as a player. To be fair to the gaffer, he gave me the opportunity and, hopefully, I repaid it.
“It was unbelievable. Even just to score in front of the fans in the 90th minute was such an amazing feeling. I was delighted with it. I’ve always said I wanted to play and score for this club in front of the fans.
“I was too focused on the goal to see my friends in there. But to see their reaction after getting a last-minute goal was fantastic for me and the lads.”
STRIKE ONE…Adam Idah races away in triumph after scoring his first penalty-kick with Daizen Maeda about to congratulate his new team-mate.
Idah took pride of place during the traditional jig of celebration among the players at the end of the game, but admitted his moves need a bit of work as he said: “They need to teach me a bit more of that!”
The towering marksman, who claimed seven for the Championship club and country in the first half of the campaign, continued: “It’s one of the best starts I’ve had.
“It was a tough game, but, overall, I’m proud of the lads and to get the three points topped it all off. That shows the spirit in the changing room.”
Idah, speaking to the Daily Record, added: “I had missed a few chances, so I was a bit frustrated. To be fair, I’ve taken penalties my whole career, so I didn’t think much of it. I think I’ve only ever missed one.
SHOVE OFF…powerhouse frontman Adam Idah tangles his Hibs defender Lewis Miller as Daizen Maeda looks on.
“In the back of my head I was confident enough that I was going to score. Thankfully, they both hit the back of the net. The first one was a long wait, but, like I said, I’m pretty confident taking penalties.
“I knew which way I was going. It was a long wait, but I’m used to it. What was I thinking for the second one?
“To go the other way. Like I say, at the back of my head I was confident I was going to score and that’s the mindset you have to have when you take penalties.
“Thankfully, it did hit the back of the net and we got the win. This was a big game and a big three points. Hopefully, we can push on now and get more wins.”
