Though a move to Parkhead is an exciting one on paper, Adam Idah's deadline-day move to Celtic was met with a somewhat lukewarm reception by some fans and ex-players.
The 22-year-old signed on loan until the end of the season from Norwich City, after struggling to find consistent game time or goals in the first half of the season for the Canaries.
Idah is undoubtedly a talented young player, but his club career has been frustratingly stunted thus far. That struggle to find consistency has been a common thread since he debuted for Norwich four seasons ago.
Ex-Celtic and Norwich striker Chris Sutton was among those to react coolly to the news of the move, with many Celtic fans expressing frustrations on social media.
Granted, much of that frustration is down to the club's general inactivity in the transfer market, with supporters crying out for investment in key areas as the Hoops seek to hold off bitter rivals Rangers in the SPFL title race.
Against the backdrop of all this frustration, Idah will be thankful that his new manager Brendan Rodgers has bigged up his new signing.
READ HERE: McAteer Expects Lee Carsley Rejection In Hunt For Next Ireland Manager
READ HERE: Roy Keane Recalls How His Own Advice Came Back To Bite Him During Talks With Man United Star
Brendan Rodgers defends Celtic's signing of Adam Idah
Though Adam Idah has not necessarily been specifically criticised by Celtic supporters, there has been some backlash from fans after their lack of activity in the transfer market in January. Idah is only the second player to sign for the club this winter, after Rapid Wien winger Nicolas Kuhn signed on a permanent deal.
Both Idah and Brendan Rodgers spoke to Sky Sports on Friday, as the Corkman prepares to potentially make his debut for the club on Saturday away to Aberdeen.
🍀 "We've had some deals that we just couldn't get quite over the line and that wasn't the club's problem"
Brendan Rodgers defends Celtic's transfer business as he praises new signing Adam Idah, while confirming Reo Hatate will be out for "five to six weeks"🔽 pic.twitter.com/uhc5P6blQh— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) February 2, 2024
Rodgers defended the club's relatively quiet January transfer window and summed up why he believed Idah could prove to be a great signing for the club:
He's the level of player that we would like to have brought in. I've mentioned before that we should only bring in what are quality signings, and I think the two guys who we've brought in over the short-, medium- and longer-term will do really well for us.
Adam's a young player who I'd seen in the Premier League breaking through as a youngster. I have to say, I was taken aback by his attributes that he had.
I think, for one reason or another, it hasn't quite worked out for him so far at Norwich. He had some injuries and whatever else. There's absolutely no doubting his talent, with huge potential still. At 22, he's a player with years ahead of him.
Coming to here, we'll work with each other and see if we can maximise that talent. I know he's absolutely delighted to be here, and I'm delighted he is as well.
In a separate interview with Sky Sports, Idah said that he had not been aware of any interest from Celtic as recently as when he travelled to Anfield with Norwich for an FA Cup tie last Sunday.
He said that it was a "no-brainer" to join Celtic and that Rodgers had been a crucial influence on his decision to join.
🍀 "It was a no brainer for me to join this club..."
Adam Idah says talks with Brendan Rodgers convinced him a loan move to Celtic would benefit both him and the club 🔽 pic.twitter.com/KvJT4NBoJY— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) February 2, 2024
Celtic sit five points clear of Glasgow rivals Rangers at the summit of the Scottish Premiership, with 15 games left in the season - though Rangers have a game in hand.
Hopefully for Adam Idah, the goals will flow and he can help Celtic to retain their Premiership crown.
SEE ALSO: Jurgen Klopp Brings Up Liverpool's Special Irish Connection After Chelsea Win
