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The Guardian
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
Celtic ease past Aberdeen but Brendan Rodgers wants more support for Adam Idah
The Celtic manager, Brendan Rodgers, predicts Adam Idah will be better if he can get some competition up front. The champions eased to victory at Aberdeen thanks to goals in each half from the midfielders Benjamin Nygren and Reo Hatate, but Idah struggled to make an impact in the centre-forward position. The 24-year-old was expected to kick on after Kyogo Furuhashi left in January, but Daizen Maeda took on the mantle of Celtic's main goalscorer after moving inside from a wide position, although the Irishman still finished on 20 goals. Given Celtic have since lost Jota to a long-term injury and sold Nicolas Kühn, Maeda has been needed out wide, while Idah has been handed a chance to seize the No 9 role. 'There's no doubt that we need to reinforce the top line,' Rodgers said. 'I'm really pleased with where we are structurally in defensive numbers. We've got a squad from our back line to midfield that can cope domestically and cope in the European competition. So I'm really pleased with that aspect. But I think we need competition at the top end of the field. 'For Adam, he's a big, honest boy. He was at his best here when was really challenging with Kyogo for the position and that's something that is important for us to get. But in the meantime, he will work hard and he'll always be that reference for us.' Asked if Idah needed a goal, Rodgers said: 'Listen, you're a striker at Celtic, you have to be strong mentally, you've got to score goals, of course. But I've a lot of faith in him. He really needs that real competition beside him. And I think that's when you then get the most out of him. 'He didn't quite score, but he worked very hard and he's given his all and it will get better as the season goes on.' Celtic's three goals this season have all come from midfielders, with Luke McCowan's late winner against St Mirren followed by Nygren getting off the mark for the club. The 24-year-old netted 15 goals for Nordsjaelland in the Danish top flight last season as well as scoring twice in his first four internationals for Sweden. Rodgers said: 'He's a player that can play as an eight, a 10, he can also play off the side. But his intuition is to get in the box and score goals and that's why we've brought him in.' Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion Rodgers added: 'Any time you come to Pittdorie, it's always tough games. To come and play with that authority and personality in the game, that was pleasing.' Aberdeen made a bright start, but Celtic took full control before Nygren's 27th-minute opener. The Dons manager, Jimmy Thelin, said: 'The way we defended in the first half and how we created the transitions was okay. 'The problem we have right now is the last pass and last decision when we arrive in an attacking position. And we are not arriving there enough to really hurt them.' Thelin would not comment on reports that Aberdeen are closing in on a deal to sign the 21-year-old Milan striker Marko Lazetic on a free transfer. But he added: 'Everybody's working really hard to find the right player and bring him to Aberdeen so let's see what's going to happen.'
Irish Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Times
Brendan Rodgers believes Adam Idah needs competition to thrive up front for Celtic
Scottish Premiership: Aberdeen 0 Celtic 2 [Nygren 27; Hatate 66] Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers believes Republic of Ireland international striker Adam Idah will be better if he can get some competition up front. The champions eased to a 2-0 win at Aberdeen thanks to goals in either half from midfielders Benjamin Nygren and Reo Hatate, but Idah struggled to make an impact in the centre forward position. The 24-year-old was expected to kick on after Kyogo Furuhashi left in January, but Daizen Maeda took on the mantle of Celtic's main goalscorer after moving inside from a wide position, although Idah still finished on 20 goals. Given Celtic have since lost Jota to a long-term injury and sold Nicolas Kuhn, Maeda has been needed out wide, while Idah has been handed a chance to seize the No 9 role. READ MORE 'There's no doubt that we need to reinforce the top line,' Rodgers said. 'There's no doubt. 'I'm really pleased with where we are structurally in defensive numbers. We've got a squad from our back line to midfield that can cope domestically and cope in the European competition. So I'm really pleased with that aspect. 'But I think we need competition at the top end of the field. 'For Adam, he's a big, honest boy. He was at his best here when he was really challenging with Kyogo for the position and that's something that is important for us to get. But in the meantime, he will work hard and he'll always be that reference for us.' Asked if Idah needs a goal, Rodgers said: 'Listen, you're a striker at Celtic, you have to be strong mentally, you've got to score goals, of course. But I've a lot of faith in him. 'He really needs that real competition beside him. And I think that's when you then get the most out of him. 'He didn't quite score, but he worked very hard and he's given his all and it will get better as the season goes on.' Benjamin Nygren celebrates scoring Celtic's first goal against Aberdeen during the Scottish Premiership match at Pittodrie. Photograph: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder. Celtic's three goals this season have all come from midfielders, with Luke McCowan's late winner against St Mirren followed by Nygren getting off the mark for the club. Nygren added a simple assist as Reo Hatate produced a wonderful finish 20 minutes into the second half. The 24-year-old netted 15 goals for Nordsjælland in the Danish top flight last season as well as scoring twice in his first four internationals for Sweden. Rodgers said: 'He's a player that can play as an eight, a 10, he can also play off the side. But his intuition is to get in the box and score goals and that's why we've brought him in.' Aberdeen fans raised a giant banner of the Scottish Cup replete with red and white ribbons before the game as they welcomed their team out at Pittodrie for the first time since their Hampden triumph over Celtic. But they were silenced by the finish and are the only team in the Premiership still to collect a point. Celtic got the breakthrough in the 27th minute. Kieran Tierney used his pace over five yards to get outside Nicolas Milanovic and drilled in a cross which Nygren swept home with his left foot. The Sweden international soon shot over with his right after Hatate's effort was parried. Celtic were well on top now but were off target from a Nygren free-kick and Liam Scales header. Shin Yamada came on for his Celtic debut in the second half, replacing Idah in the immediate aftermath of Hatate's strike. The Japanese striker did not have any sights of goal but he showed his strength in his own box when his shoulder charge on Dante Polvara put the Dons sub off his stride as he latched on to Sokler's flick. Polvara stabbed the ball towards goal but Schmeichel saved.
Daily Mail
03-08-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Daizen Maeda to score first BOOSTED to 9/2 - as Celtic and St Mirren clash at Celtic Park today
In addition to the Full-time Result and Goalscorers markets outlined in a previous article - Sky Bet are offering three Price Boosts for today's Scottish Premiership clash between Celtic and St Mirren at Celtic Park. The first boost - which has been enhanced to 2/1 - requires Adam Idah to record three or more shots on target. Idah had a strong campaign in front of goal in 2024-25 - with the Celtic forward netting 20 goals across all competitions. Meanwhile, the other two boosts are for Daizen Maeda to score first, and Celtic to win 3-0. The odds for those two bets have been enhanced to 9/2 and 7/1 respectively according to Sky Bet. Maeda scored an impressive 33 goals for Celtic last season, while Celtic defeated St Mirren 3-0 at Celtic Park in January. Sky Bet Price Boosts for Celtic vs St Mirren: Adam Idah to have 3+ shots on target 2/1 Daizen Maeda to score first 9/2 Celtic to win 3-0 7/1
Scottish Sun
01-08-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Celtic or Rangers for the title? SunSport writers' 2025/26 predictions including relegation, Player of Year & top scorer
There are some surprise picks! CRYSTAL BALL Celtic or Rangers for the title? SunSport writers' 2025/26 predictions including relegation, Player of Year & top scorer Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE new Premiership season is almost upon us. This weekend we will see all 12 Premiership teams return to league action following the summer break with six clashes across three days - Saturday to Monday. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Brendan Rodgers lifting the title with his Celtic players in May Credit: PA 5 But can Russell Martin clinch it in his first season? Credit: Willie Vass It's full circle for holders Celtic as they play their first competitive fixture on Sunday's flag day against St Mirren - after facing Stephen Robinson's on trophy day in May. Rangers, on the other hand, take on Motherwell at Fir Park a day earlier on Saturday with an aim to take top spot in the league on opening weekend - and stay there when the season ends. SunSport's reporters have put their reputations on the line and have predicted who will come out on top come May - and who will face the drop. They've also revealed which players they have their eyes on to be named Player of the Year at the end of the season, as well as finish top goal-scorer. Here's what they had to say. Robert Grieve Premiership: 1, Celtic 2, Rangers 3, Hearts Relegation play-off place: Motherwell Bottom of Premiership: Livingston Championship winners: Partick Thistle League One winners: Inverness Caley Thistle League Two winners: East Kilbride Player of the Year: Benjamin Nygren Premiership top goalscorer: Daizen Maeda Bill Leckie Premiership: 1, Celtic 2, Rangers 3, Hearts Relegation play-off place: Motherwell Bottom of Premiership: Livingston Championship winners: St Johnstone League One winners: Alloa Athletic League Two winners: East Kilbride Player of the Year: Arne Engels Premiership top goalscorer: Lawrence Shankland 5 Bill Leckie reckons Shankland will shine again Credit: Kenny Ramsay Derek McGregor Premiership: 1, Rangers 2, Celtic 3, Hibs Relegation play-off place: Falkirk Bottom of Premiership: Dundee Championship winners: St Johnstone League One winners: Alloa Athletic League Two winners: Clyde Player of the Year: Benjamin Nygren Premiership top goalscorer: Claudio Braga Andy Devlin Premiership: 1, Celtic 2, Rangers 3, Hearts Relegation play-off place: Livingston Bottom of Premiership: Dundee Championship winners: Ross County League One winners: Inverness Caley Thistle League Two winners: East Kilbride Player of the Year: Djeidi Gassama Premiership top goalscorer: Daizen Maeda Robert Martin Premiership: 1, Celtic 2, Rangers 3, Hearts Relegation play-off place: Livingston Bottom of Premiership: Dundee Championship winners: St Johnstone League One winners: Inverness Caley Thistle League Two winners: Edinburgh City Player of the Year: Kieran Tierney Premiership top goalscorer: Lawrence Shankland Billy Dodds on returning to Rangers under Barry Ferguson, defeating Mourinho & ending Celtic Park hoodoo Gareth Law Premiership: 1, Celtic 2, Rangers 3, Hearts Relegation play-off place: Dundee Bottom of Premiership: Falkirk Championship winners: St Johnstone League One winners: Inverness Caley Thistle League Two winners: East Kilbride Player of the Year: Callum McGregor Premiership top goalscorer: Lawrence Shankland Kenny MacDonald Premiership: 1, Celtic 2, Rangers 3, Hearts Relegation play-off place: Falkirk Bottom of Premiership: Dundee Championship winners: Ross County League One winners: Inverness Caley Thistle League Two winners: Elgin City Player of the Year: Callum McGregor Premiership top goalscorer: Daizen Maeda Robert Thomson Premiership: 1, Celtic 2, Rangers 3, Hearts Relegation play-off place: Dundee Bottom of Premiership: Falkirk Championship winners: Ross County League One winners: Inverness Caley Thistle League Two winners: Forfar Player of the Year: Reo Hatate Premiership top goalscorer: Daizen Maeda 5 Reo Hatate is Robert Thomson's star man Credit: Kenny Ramsay David Friel Premiership: 1, Celtic 2, Rangers 3, Hearts Relegation play-off place: Livingston Bottom of Premiership: Dundee Championship winners: Ayr United League One winners: Cive Rangers League Two winners: East Kilbride Player of the Year: Benjamin Nygren Premiership top goalscorer: Adam Idah Ben Ramage Premiership: 1, Celtic 2, Rangers 3, Hearts Relegation play-off place: Dundee Bottom of Premiership: Livingston Championship winners: Ross County League One winners: Queen of the South League Two winners: Edinburgh City Player of the Year: Kieran Tierney Premiership top goalscorer: Daizen Maeda Roger Hannah Premiership: 1, Celtic 2, Rangers 3, Hearts Relegation play-off place: Livingston Bottom of Premiership: Dundee Championship winners: Ayr United League One winners: Inverness Caley Thistle League Two winners: East Kilbride Player of the Year: Benjamin Nygren Premiership top goalscorer: Daizen Maeda Kris Boyd Premiership: 1, Rangers 2, Celtic 3, Hearts Relegation play-off place: Motherwell Bottom of Premiership: Dundee Championship winners: St Johnstone League One winners: Inverness Caley Thistle League Two winners: East Kilbride Player of the Year: Djeidi Gassama Premiership top goalscorer: Lawrence Shankland 5 Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
The National
29-07-2025
- Sport
- The National
Reason for delay in Marco Tilio's Celtic exit revealed
It was reported nine days ago that the winger was set to join Austrian Bundesliga side Rapid Vienna on loan for the season, with an obligation to buy. He still remains at Parkhead, though, because Celtic won't let him leave until a new winger lands in Glasgow, reports Austrian outlet Tilio has made just two competitive appearances since moving to Glasgow in the summer of 2023. Read more: The Australian spent last term on loan at Melbourne City in his homeland, scoring five goals and assisting as many in 20 appearances. Celtic are in the market for a winger this summer, with Daizen Maeda, Yang Hyun-jun, James Forrest and Tilio currently Brendan Rodgers' only options out wide. The new campaign begins this weekend, with the Scottish Premiership champions welcoming St Mirren to Parkhead on Sunday for their season opener. The referee and VAR officials for the match have recently been revealed. Indeed, Don Robertson will take charge of proceedings. David Roome and Craig Ferguson will run the lines, with Greg Aitken on VAR duties. Graeme Leslie is the AVAR official. Kick-off is at 4.30pm UK time.
