ADAM IDAH admits life has become a bit CRAZY since joining Celtic.
The Cork-born Republic of Ireland international striker thought he knew all about his boyhood favourites before he was recruited on a short-term loan deal from Norwich City on transfer deadline day in January.
Since his arrival, the 23-year-old frontman has claimed seven goals to spark talk of the champions making his switch permanent with a fee of £3million already mentioned.
Idah refuses to get caught up in the speculation as he maintains his focus on the task at hand and that is to make sure the Hoops do not falter in their remaining five league games of the campaign in their quest for a twelfth title in 13 years.
THAT’S MY BHOY…Callum McGregor congratulates Adam Idah after the striker’s first goal in the 3-1 win over Motherwell at Fir Park in February.
Brendan Rodgers and his players should know on Thursday what they face it in the run-in after the SPFL finally get around to announcing their post-split fixture list.
Before another ball is kicked in the Premiership, however, there is the little matter of the Scottish Cup semi-final against Aberdeen to be overcome at Hampden on Saturday afternoon.
Reflecting on his life-changing move, Idah, who nodded in the Hoops’ third goal in the 3-0 success over St Mirren at Parkhead at the weekend, said: “I knew the club was huge when I came up. I know everyone says it, but you don’t actually realise how big it is until you are here.
“For example, I got sent a video of the goal [at Ibrox]from a pub in Australia. It was mobbed and it was going crazy.
“You realise people are watching this all over the world. It’s amazing how big this club is.
“It has taken me a bit by surprise. I was saying to my mum recently, I didn’t actually realise just how many Celtic tops I was seeing when I was back home.
CHEERS…Adam Idah, with Matt O’Riley for company, celebrates with the fans at Fir Park.
“They have always been there, but maybe I just wasn’t noticing as much. It’s still a bit of a shock to me. It’s been weird. There are so many fans back home who will come up to me. Even lads I used to kick a ball with when I was young and are still friends are asking me for photos.
“I’m thinking: ‘What is going on?’ It’s crazy. My life has gone a bit strange. No matter where I go I think I’m going to bump into Celtic fans.
“Hopefully, I can just keep repaying their support.”
As well as his strikes against Philippe Clement’s side in the 3-3 draw in Govan and the victory over the Paisley club, Idah netted a penalty-kick double in a 2-1 win over Hibs at Easter Road, another couple in a 3-1 triumph over Motherwell at Fir Park and a slick header in the 7-1 romp against Dundee in the east end of Glasgow.
Is there any trepidation going down to the wire with a league and Cup double at stake?
Idah, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “This is something to relish rather than fear. It’s why you are in the game. These games are there to be won and we want to be the ones winning them.
MAKING A SONG AND DANCE ABOUT IT…Adam Idah laps up the acclaim of the Celtic support at Fir Park with Luis Palma joining in after another crucial comeback triumph.
“It does help to have that experience in the dressing room. You always need that experience. We have the likes of Callum McGregor, Joe Hart, James Forest – they bring so much to the squad.
“I also think having new guys in the team can help as well. Everyone has been here and there and you can pick up little things. That’s the good thing about this dressing room.
“It’s not just the experienced lads, we are all in this together. That’s what I love about it.”
“Everyone is feeling confident around the games and in training and we are all looking forward to it. We are excited for it – these are the moments you play football for.”
