Adam Idah’s first full campaign in Celtic colours could end in the perfect fashion.
The League Cup is in the bag, as well as the Premiership title, as Celtic will win the Treble if they beat Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup final on May 24.
Idah has played his part in that, after securing a £9 million transfer to the champions of Scotland last summer, following his successful loan spell from Norwich City.
The Republic of Ireland star was on the scoresheet as Celtic beat Hibernian in the Premiership on Saturday, as the players and fans played their first game since securing the title at Dundee United.
Idah has divided opinion all season long, but the Celtic hitman came out fighting after three more points were secured from Brendan Rodgers’ side.
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty ImagesAdam Idah defends his Celtic record
The price tag on Idah’s head is putting more pressure on his shoulders, and many are seemingly expecting more than usual.
The man himself told his Celtic press conference, after the win over Hibs, that ‘people forget’ about the goals he has scored in comparison to the minutes he has played.
Added to that, the 24-year-old wanted to note to people that his unselfish play also goes ‘unnoticed’.
“It’s been a really good season so far,” said Idah. “I am on 19 goals now, which is really good. I have said it before, for the minutes I have played, to get 19 goals is unbelievable.
“I think a lot of people forget that. I am confident in myself. There are a lot of things that I think I do for the team that help a lot. I am really pleased.
On some of the things he does going unnoticed: “Yeah, 100%,” added Idah. “When I do work with the analytics and some of the staff, there are a lot of things that I think I can bring to the game.
“Some unselfish runs that I make will create space for other players. I think a lot of that will go unnoticed. I get it, fans aren’t going to be looking at that, they want to see goals, but I am here to help the team, at the end of the day. It’s a big bonus when I do so – it can be frustrating, at times, but at the end of the day, it’s helping the team.”
Idah’s season in numbers
To put it into context, Daizen Maeda has played 2,687 minutes in the Premiership this season, and has 16 goals to his name.
You can add to that, his 762 minutes in the Champions League, 360 minutes in the Scottish Cup, and 282 minutes in the League Cup for the Japan star.
So, when you see that Idah has played 1,632 minutes in the Premiership, and has eight goals to his name, then you can understand the player’s frustration, especially the overall numbers.