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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Robbie Hanratty

Why Celtic must sanction permanent Adam Idah transfer after 'perfect' loan spell

Celtic have proven they were right to recruit Adam Idah on-loan in January, despite getting "slaughtered" at the time. 

That's the opinion of former Hoops ace, Mark Wilson, who was admittedly wary of the move. 

Idah scored nine goals from 19 appearances including the winner in the Scottish Cup final on Saturday. 

And with Norwich City failing to get promoted to the English Premier League through the play-offs, it's thought they could cash in on the Republic of Ireland striker if Celtic are willing to fork out around £5million. 

Wilson previously suggested that Aberdeen talisman, Bojan Miovski, would prove better value for money, but now the ex-defender has backtracked and believes Idah ticks all the boxes needed to be a long-term success at Parkhead. 

He told Clyde 1 Super Scoreboard: "I think Celtic should sign him. I was of that opinion a couple of weeks ago. It was thrown up whether you'd rather (Bojan) Miovski for £5million and I answered then, Miovski.

"However, if it was Idah for £5m and that was your only option then I would've taken him then. Take away the Cup Final goal, it's his contribution in the league.

"I go back to the Hibs game at Easter Road; he was put in ahead of Kyogo that game and came up with two goals.

"You think of the Motherwell game and how monumental that was, his inclusion after 45 minutes. The Killie game, I know it's the penultimate game of the season.

“However, it's still tricky and he was instrumental in that result. He's certainly done enough to merit Brendan Rodgers signing him.

"When you go for a striker on loan in January, you look for them to make an impact. You look for them to score goals and take you in the right direction I think Idah's done all of that.

"He's the perfect player to replace Kyogo when he isn't doing it or you want to change your style and go a bit more direct. But he's not just about that; he can link up the play and he can finish. He's done all those things since he arrived and that's what you're looking for in a sort of trial period from January.

"Idah's ticked all those boxes with crucial goals. You're always judged as a striker on big goals and he's scored the, none more so than in the Cup Final. if that doesn't go in your favour, then I don't know what will.

"Celtic's transfer business in January was slaughtered and I wasn't really convinced head over heels about Idah coming in either. he couldn't get a game for Norwich, how's he going to fit here. When I saw him first though, I thought there was something in it."

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