Adam Idah must start for Celtic against Dundee

Celtic supporters have had plenty to say surrounding Brendan Rodgers tactics since the invincible-treble winning boss returned to Celtic Park for his second spell in the green and white hot-seat.

One of the main criticisms has been the use of Kyogo Furuhashi. The Japanese forward had been the talisman for Celtic for two consecutive seasons, but this season, he looks a shadow of the player that swept the player of the year awards the season prior.

Usually nailed on for a goal whenever he takes to the field, Kyogo only has 11 goals this season, just one more than midfielder Matt O’Riley.

The need for a striker was certain in January with Oh Hyeon-gyu, the only backup option for Kyogo, heading off to the Asian Cup with South Korea.

Celtic ended up with Adam Idah, who despite all of the noise surrounding his signing, has performed admirably since joining the club on loan from Norwich City on deadline day, and his performance at the weekend was the statement performance that he needed to really stake his claim on that starting striker spot.

But following that brace against the Steelmen at Fir Park, should Adam Idah be nailed on for a start against Dundee on Wednesday evening.

Suited to Rodgers style
As previously mentioned, Kyogo Furuhashi has stagnated whilst playing under Brendan Rodgers. Far too many games are passing Kyogo by as the style of play just doesn’t fit with Kyogo’s strengths.

Under Ange Postecoglou, the team played fast-moving, rock and roll football which benefited Kyogo immensely, with his knack for making intelligent runs in behind the opposition leading to him picking up a barrel-load of goals last season.

Now, whilst Kyogo’s style of play has worked in Europe for Celtic this season against teams that are going to play a bit more open, against the typical low-blocks Celtic face domestically, it just isn’t working as the play is far slower.

Adam Idah has shown that he can suit what Rodgers wants to do. A far more physical player who can hold the ball up and bring the team up the field as well as showing that he can be a good finisher in the box when presented chances, he is far more similar to Rodgers’ strikers who had succeeded in his previous tenure at the club such as Moussa Dembele.

The form player
It’s a really simple reason to give, but if a player is high on confidence, high on momentum and scoring goals, you should play him.

Whilst Kyogo had grabbed two goals in two games heading into the trip to Fir Park, the change of shape back to having him as the lone striker just wasn’t working and he couldn’t get involved in the game.

Idah’s introduction saw him become the nucleus of the Celtic attack as everything ran through the Irishman, dropping deep to link attacks and finding some good spaces in the opposition box.

His two goals were high-quality finishes as well, the first a well-placed header and the second a powerful low-drive that left Liam Kelly with no chance.

The verdict
Given the aforementioned reasoning, Adam Idah should definitely start against Dundee, it’s a no brainer. He’s high on confidence and works well with Rodgers system, and it will be interesting to see if he can continue to improve for Celtic in the coming weeks.

James McKenzie // @JamesWHMcKenzie