Adam Idah confident he can handle the pressure at Celtic
Republic of Ireland striker Adam Idah has insisted he can handle the pressure of life at Celtic after ending the domestic season on a high.
The 24-year-old, who completed a £9.5million switch from Norwich to Celtic Park last summer after a successful loan spell, finished the campaign with 20 goals despite making almost half his 53 appearances in all competitions from the bench.
However, he also suffered testing periods, not least after a video of him apparently vomiting from a taxi circulated on social media, prompting a stern defence from manager Brendan Rodgers.
Asked about the pressure, Idah said: 'The pressure is a lot and you are expected to deliver. I think with my experience now, you have to put that behind you. You know what you are good at.
'If you don't score for a couple of games, it is not helpful to listen to an ex-player. I am not really concerned with what he thinks – I am there to do my bit.
'I had a good run in the last few games, but I know it can turn quick. That is football. There have been plenty of games when I have gone without scoring, you have to stay focused and help the team.
'There is a lot of pressure at the club to be successful. It is good, I think. Every player wants to play at a big club, but what comes with a big club is the pressure.'
Rodgers' backing – the Bhoys boss described him as 'a great young professional' – was welcome, but Idah has vowed to continue to live his life despite having to do so in the spotlight at times.
He said: 'At the end of the day I am a human being. I go out. I don't have to stay inside all the time. It's hard when people are videoing you, it can be quite upsetting, especially when the story is made out to be what it is not.
'It can be tough, but like I said, I am human and I'm going to carry on with my life.'
In the meantime, Idah faces the task of re-establishing himself in the Ireland team under new boss Heimir Hallgrimsson, with Evan Ferguson and Troy Parrott having edged ahead of him in the pecking order.
It was he who scored the winner after coming off the bench in the 2-1 Nations League victory over Bulgaria in March, and he will hope for a further taste of action in Friday night's friendly against Senegal at the Aviva Stadium as Hallgrimsson attempts to build up a run of three wins in four games ahead of the World Cup qualifying campaign.
He said: 'We want to qualify for the World Cup and you want to be part of that, whether it is starting or off the bench. Even if you don't come on you can always help the team.
'It is up to the manager. Of course I want the minutes, but qualifying is the most important.'
Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
11 minutes ago
- The Independent
Bukayo Saka to miss England's World Cup qualifier against Andorra with injury
Bukayo Saka has been left out of England 's squad for Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Andorra. Ollie Watkins left the camp due to a minor injury on the eve of the Group K clash. Conor Gallagher will also miss the Andorra game after being left out of the matchday squad. Saka had discomfort from the last match against Southampton, and was treated individually. England boss Thomas Tuchel said Saka will be available for the Senegal match.
Daily Mirror
20 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Liverpool's hopeful deadline to seal Florian Wirtz deal after making third bid
Liverpool believe they can wrap up a deal for Florian Wirtz sooner rather than later after submitting a third bid to Bayer Leverkusen for the German playmaker - who will cost a British record fee Liverpool hope to complete a deal for Florian Wirtz within days despite submitting another offer that is below Bayer Leverkusen 's valuation of the playmaker. This is the third bid made by the Premier League side. It is their highest yet with the package coming in at £113million - £100m of which is up front before the extras are paid as add ons. However the Bundesliga club have maintained they want £126m before they consider letting Wirtz seek pastures new. Despite the disparity between the two figures Sporting director Richard Hughes, who is leading negotiations, is hopeful a deal can be reached in the coming days. The first part of this summer's transfer window closes on June 10 before opening back up shortly after. The 22-year-old star has made it clear to his club that he wants to move to Anfield after Manchester City opted out of the race for his signature. Bayern Munich were also keen but they've been usurped in the pecking order by the Premier League champions. Personal terms won't be an issue once a fee is agreed and the player is waiting for the green light to head to Liverpool for a medical next week after Germany face France in the Nations League third-place play-off on Sunday. Liverpool have already negotiated with Leverkusen once this summer, signing Jeremie Frimpong. The Dutchman has moved to Anfield as Trent Alexander-Arnold's replacement but his £30m switch was made easier by a release clause in his contract. Wirtz has no such clause and that has led to the back and forth between the two clubs. Liverpool will have to break the British transfer record if they do want to sign the playmaker, who is regarded as a generational talent with the Reds confident he can have an instant impact. club chief Fernando Carro previously said they "would never let Wirtz leave" for less than their valuation. Arne Slot endured a quiet summer when he first arrived at Anfield, working with the squad he inherited from Jurgen Klopp. But after landing the title he's wasted no time in pursuing new recruits as the Reds look to build on this year's success. Germany legend Rudi Voller - who left his role as sporting director of Bayer Leverkusen in 2022 after 17 years - has given insight into the discussions and claimed that the German club would make Liverpool wait on a deal, despite their hopes to wrap it up soon. "It's no secret that he'd like to go to Liverpool. I know the clubs are negotiating with each other. It's often the case that it takes a while until an agreement is finally reached. Of course, in the end, you have the feeling it will go through. Florian Wirtz has proven that he is a very, very valuable player. Not only for Bayer Leverkusen but also for the national team. That's why he costs a few euros more." As well as Frimpong and Wirtz Liverpool are also looking to complete a deal for Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez. The Hungarian impressed for the the Cherries and is one of several players who could earn move elsewhere. He is valued at £40m.
Powys County Times
22 minutes ago
- Powys County Times
Bukayo Saka left out of England's squad to face Andorra after knock
Bukayo Saka has been left out of England's squad for Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Andorra. Thomas Tuchel's side continue the road to next summer's tournament at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona against the side ranked 173rd in the world. A minor injury saw Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins leave the camp on the eve of the Group K clash, while Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher and Arsenal forward Saka will miss the Andorra game after being left out of the matchday squad submitted to UEFA. Tuchel revealed Saka was suffering with a knock on Friday but thinks he can feature in Tuesday's friendly against Senegal. 'It's nice to see that he's back because he wanted to be back, and you straight away see when he comes in that he is comfortable to be with the squad, he knows what it takes to be a national player,' the England boss said. 'He came into camp with a little bit of discomfort from the last match against Southampton, so we took care of him and treated him individually until (Friday) basically. 'It was the first training session that he started and finished with the group. (Thursday), he started with the group but did not finish with the group, so let's see. 'I'm not sure if we take the risk for the game. The decision has not been taken, but he will be available for the Senegal match, and he plays a major role in our thoughts of how to build a competitive team.'
