Celtic are ready to give boss Brendan Rodgers what he’s after as they prepare to push the button on the signing of Adam Idah.
The Parkhead gaffer made it crystal clear on Saturday that he wants the striker back next season after watching the Irishman fire the Hoops to Scottish Cup glory. And Record Sport understands the Hoops hierarchy are committed to fulfilling their manager’s wishes. It was the on-loan Norwich ace’s last-minute winner which sealed victory over Rangers and completed this year’s Double triumph.
And it wrapped up an impressive six-month stint in Glasgow for the 23-year-old that saw him bag nine goals in 19 appearances – with that vital haul including key strikes at Easter Road, Ibrox and Rugby Park as Rodgers’ side stormed to the title. Idah’s Carrow Road parent club — understood to be looking for a fee in the region of £6million for the Republic of Ireland hitman — are still without a boss after sacking David Wagner.
That might yet complicate matters if their new gaffer decides to take a look at the Cork-born striker before the new season. But Celtic are working on the assumption they will have Idah back helping to lead their attack as they take on the cream of Europe in the Champions League.
That will delight Rodgers, who could not have been any more fulsome in his praise of the frontman after watching him snatch the Hampden headlines. He said after the 1-0 win over Rangers: “The board knows how I feel about Adam, that was the reason for bringing him in.
“He’s been a real catalyst for us, especially over the last few months. He’s a big game player. In so many big moments, he’s stepped up to the plate for us.
“I’m so happy for him – a boy from Ireland, a striker scoring the winning goal in the Scottish Cup Final against Rangers. Wow. What a summer he’ll have.
“I don’t know if we’ll get him in the summer, the board will look at it. My talks with Adam will remain private because there’s a lot of work to do. But he knows my feelings and so does the club so we’ll see what happens.”