Idah loving his ‘crazy but fantastic’ start at Celtic

IRELAND striker Adam Idah is relishing every second of the sensational start he has made to his Celtic career after his controversial loan move from Norwich.

The Corkman was the target of unhappy Celtic fans when the deal was announced initially but Idah has become an instant hero, providing the assist for the Bhoys’ equaliser away to Aberdeen last weekend, before sealing a nervy 2-1 win against Hibernian in midweek with two well-taken penalties.

His second successful penalty in injury time, sparked wild Celtic celebrations, especially from a group of Idah’s friends who had travelled over from Cork to roar him on.

‘It was unbelievable,’ said Idah. ‘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 lastminute goal was fantastic for me and the lads.

‘It’s one of the best starts I’ve had. The main thing was to get the three points. It was a tough game but overall I’m proud of the lads and to get the three points topped it all off. Hopefully we can push on now and get three points on the board each and every week.

‘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.’

Celtic are waiting on the full diagnosis of Alistair Johnston’s injury but fear he has suffered a fracture.

The right-back will miss tomorrow’s Scottish Gas Scottish Cup fifth-round tie against St Mirren in Paisley after being carried off on a stretcher and taken to hospital following an aerial challenge against Hibernian.

The Canada international, who was caught late in the side of his head by Hibernian defender Nectarios Triantis, was at Celtic’s Lennoxtown training centre yesterday but could be facing a lay-off.

‘We are just waiting on the results of a scan,’ boss Brendan Rodgers said.

‘He won’t be available for the weekend. We think he has a slight fracture on the side of the head. We don’t know (how long he will be out), we are just waiting to see.’

Celtic have further reinforcements Dream start: Celtic’s Adam Idah after the reintroduction of Daizen Maeda at Easter Road, with South Korea pair Oh Hyeongyu and Yang Hyunjun back from Asian Cup duty following their country’s semifinal defeat by Jordan. Yang came off the bench Tuesday’s game in Qatar, while Oh was an unused sub.

Rodgers said: ‘They have been away for a period of time but they look fit and well and trained really well earlier.’

Greg Taylor remains a doubt after missing three games with a calf injury.

‘He is very close,’ Rodgers said. ‘I’m not sure he will make the weekend but if not, he should be available for the following weekend.’

Cameron Carter-Vickers is back out on the training pitch following his latest hamstring problem but will not be ready for the weekend.