Things haven't gone quite as well for Adam Idah this season at Celtic as they did during his loan spell hot streak last year.
The Corkonian joined the Hoops on a permanent deal late in the summer transfer window, having won over the club's fans with nine goals in 19 appearances in the back half of last season.
A prolonged summer saga saw Celtic haggle with Norwich over the fee for the Ireland international, with Idah ultimately signed for £8.5 million with little under a fortnight remaining in the transfer window. It was Celtic's record transfer fee until the deadline day signing of Arne Engels for £11 million.
Since returning to Glasgow, Idah has contributed goals in all three competitions - but he has struggled for regular minutes, starting only three games for the club in the two months since his permanent deal was signed.
Idah won over several Celtic pundits with his goalscoring exploits last season. John Hartson was one of those but the former Celtic striker is now beginning to doubt whether the Irishman's form has justified his substantial price tag.
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John Hartson is unsure Celtic have gotten money's worth for Adam Idah
10 September 2024; Republic of Ireland players Evan Ferguson, left, and Adam Idah after their side's defeat in the UEFA Nations League B Group 2 match between Republic of Ireland and Greece at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Midheach/Sportsfile
Midway through last season, John Hartson called for Celtic to sign Adam Idah on a permanent deal off the back of his crucial goals in a tight Scottish Premiership title race.
At the time, however, Hartson said that he was unsure that Idah was worth the £8 million and above being requested by Norwich for his services.
With Idah's game time limited since returning to Celtic Park this summer, Hartson now fears that his concerns about the 23-year-old are being proven right.
Speaking on Scottish radio channel GoRadio this week, Hartson said:
They went for Adam Idah. I think we all got, not sucked in, but we were all impressed last season...he made a real big hero of himself. Big name for himself. Scored some big goals, by the way, in the run-in.
He hasn’t hit the ground running. One of them reasons is that it’s very hard to dislodge Kyogo. Sometimes when you feel that you are next man in and not the number one striker, it can give you that lack of confidence.
I am not going to criticise him too much, but I am not sure who else Celtic had their eye on last season. He cost £9 million. A lot of the fans might just say well. Could we have got a better [striker]?
One of the reasons why Celtic took him is because he did so well on loan. He seemed the obvious one.
With Kyogo central to Celtic's gameplan, it does not look like Adam Idah will be able to secure a regular starting spot anytime soon.
Given the transfer fee forked out for him, scrutiny is unfortunately likely in the coming weeks should the current situation continue.
