Adam had incredible strength as a teenager but his career was grinding to a halt at Norwich... I worried step up to Celtic would be too much for him but he has massive chance under Brendan

MARTIN O'NEILL cast an eye over a 17-year-old Adam Idah in his final months as Ireland manager and saw a youngster blessed by a raw power he was sure would see his career motor.

- BY FRASER WILSON

The former Celtic boss was fuelled with hope by the sight of Idah and Troy Parrott leading the Irish attack at the 2018 UEFA Under-17 Championships in England.

But five years on from the Green Army's charge to the quarterfinals of that competition, O'Neill feared Idah's footballing journey was grinding to a halt.

A bit-part player at Norwich, the player himself has since admitted his career was stalling in Norfolk.

So when last year's move to Celtic came about, O'Neill admits he had doubts over the frontman's chances of getting back on track in the Parkhead fast lane.

But 20 goals including three in the Loughborough and St George's. He recalled: "He was an underage player at the same time as Troy.

"Roy Keane and I went to Loughborough to watch the Under-17s who were playing in an international tournament.

"Idah was outstanding. He was big, he was strong - very strong.

"Sometimes you'd think to yourself: 'Well, there's no more growth in him so maybe when other people get a wee bit stronger...

"But no, definitely, you could see he had plenty of talent.

"I did follow his career but it was grinding to a bit of a halt at Norwich, not getting into the side.

"I thought that stepping up to Celtic might be too much for him. I thought it was. So well done to him.

"Hes got a lot to live up to if he's going to lead the line at Celtic this season, and that's big. As a centre-forward, you're expected to score goals - and a lot of goals as well.

"And you're expected to be able to beat players, hold it up, run down the channels, do everything.