Idah's making positive move in a different role for Irish

ADAM IDAH receives a fair amount of flak for a guy who scores for Celtic every 100 or so minutes on the pitch.

- By Michael Gannon

The big striker notched 20 goals last season for the Hoops and to add to the nine he bagged during a six-month loan stint the previous campaign - including three in the Champions League, a couple against Rangers at Ibrox and the winner in the 2024 Old Firm Scottish Cup final.

Yet there are some doubters to be won over on the back of a big-money move from Norwich last summer.

Bhoys boss Brendan Rodgers knows the 24-year-old striker isn’t the finished article - but Idah’s international manager, Heimir Hallgrimsson, sees signs of progress.

Idah was handed a start for Ireland in Friday’s 1-1 draw with Senegal and the Icelandic boss is encouraged.

Hallgrimsson knows Idah’s role with his side is quite different to the task the striker faces with Celtic.

In Scotland, it’s often up against 10 opponents parked behind the ball, while the boot is often on the other foot with Ireland - but Hallgrimsson has been impressed with the versatility shown by the Cork native.