THE NEW MOUSSA
Rodgers: If we can unlock all of Adam’s potential we will have another Dembele
BRENDAN RODGERS hopes Adam Idah can recreate the Moussa magic.
The new Celtic striker is desperate to make a serious imprint with No.9 tattooed on his arm. Rodgers wants to unlock Idah’s full potential, as he did with Dembele during his first spell.
The Celtic boss said: “I remember when Moussa came here, the qualities he had.
“Adam’s goals-to-game ratio, and having arguably played at a higher level, is arguably greater.
“Moussa went on and had a brilliant career here and I’m hoping Adam can do that too. I’ve had players like this before who people maybe doubt but he’s still young.
“He’s 22 but he has genuine quality. If I can unlock that with him, he has everything.
“He’s quick, big, strong and has a nice touch. He just needs some structure to his game and an objective to his game to get him into areas to score goals.
“He’s shown he can do that. His actual conversion of chances ratio is good but he’s got to get into those areas.
“I’m excited about his talent and seeing if we can unlock that because if we can he can be absolutely brilliant for us.”
Idah is thrilled to have the No.9 shirt and said: “I got the tattoo about a year ago and it’s quite cool that I now have the No.9. Is it fate? I manifested it!”
Compatriot Robbie Keane was Idah’s favourite past Celtic player but another ex-star Teemu Pukki is an inspiration. Idah added: “He showed me what I had to do to be a top professional.
“Teemu was unbelievable and a top influence on me.”
Idah is ready to go against Aberdeen and said: “Being at such a big club really excites me. I’m a confident player and hopefully I can get the goals banging in and I can’t wait to play with the lads and get it going.”
Idah will be involved at Pittodrie but Cameron Carter-vickers and Reo Hatate are out.
The American could be missing for three weeks while
the Japanese could be six as he has damaged both calves.
Rodgers said: “With Cam it’s about working with the medical team and seeing the plan now.
“Reo has been really stop-start. We’ll have to go a bit deeper on that to see how these things are happening to him.”
Shay Given is convinced Rodgers will get Idah on the goal trail.
Given is a fan of Idah, who has 22 caps for Ireland an the former keeper – who was on Celtic’s books as a kid, said:
“It’s exciting for him. We all know, especially coming from Ireland, how huge a club Celtic are.
“It’s a brilliant move for
Adam. I know Brendan
Rodgers relatively well.
“He’s a top quality coach and he will play to Adam’s strengths.
“Adam is a very good hold-up player. Yes, he could probably add a few more goals to his game but in spurts with Ireland you could see he was a handful for a lot of defences.
“Just getting playing regularly, for any striker, and into a team like Celtic who are expected most weeks to win their games and will create a lot of chances for him.
“The way Brendan coaches and the way he plays, if Adam can get into the right positions he will grab goals.”
“Adam has three or four months to really prove himself and he could win a title, which would be special.”