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Oliver Walton

Sun 3 August 2025 20:24, UK

Celtic fans have reacted harshly to Adam Idah’s performance against St Mirren as the defending Scottish Premiership champions limped to a 1-0 win on the opening day of the new campaign.

The Hoops were held for 87 minutes by their unlikely opponents before substitute Luke McCowan bagged the decisive strike with a deflected finish past the hapless Shamal George.

Callum McGregor thought he had put his side in front not long before the eventual winner, but the Celtic captain’s goal was ruled out for a controversial handball after a VAR check.

Brendan Rodgers chose to put his faith in Republic of Ireland international Idah for the first game of the new season, and while it was not through a lack of trying, he flattered to deceive in front of goal.

Idah’s ability to lead the line for the Glasgow giants has been called into question before, despite him netting 20 goals last season, and the Celtic fans are continuing to voice their displeasure at his performances on social media.

Idah started in attack with Hyun-Jun Yang and Daizen Maeda alongside him on each wing, and he took four shots in his 72 minutes on the pitch at Parkhead, with two of those testing St Mirren keeper George.

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The 24-year-old’s best chance of the outing was actually one of his off-target chances, as he struck the post from close range in the 71st minute after lashing at the ball and not taking an extra second to place it into the net.

He ended his showing with a booking, two big chances missed, just eight touches in the visitors’ penalty area, and only one out of five ground duels won, while he was caught offside three times (Fotmob).

Idah’s replacement and compatriot, Johnny Kenny, also failed to catch the eye in his 17 minutes on the pitch, but he could be in line for more chances to prove himself if Rodgers agrees with aggrieved Celtic supporters on social media.

https://x.com/Rikos67_/status/1952052812260774376

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It is clear that Idah is not fancied by many Bhoys fans, but whether the desire to sign another striker extends to the Parkhead board and Rodgers remains to be seen.

Celtic have already signed a new striker this summer in Shin Yamada from Kawasaki Frontale, but the 25-year-old was left on the bench for the season opener after joining the club two weeks ago.

AppearancesGoalsAssists73293Idah’s Celtic career stats

Rodgers also has Callum Osmand at his disposal after a summer move from Fulham’s Under-21 side, yet he was not even in the matchday squad against St Mirren, so whether he is seen as a genuine first-team option yet is unclear.

Idah was mooted to make a shock move to Arsenal as recently as January after his brace against Aston Villa in the Champions League, but just six months on and it looks as if the Celtic board may have to get their chequebooks out to sign another new forward.

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