Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has Adam Idah to thank for his side’s 2-1 victory over Hibernian at Easter Road following his dramatic double from the spot.
Early in proceedings, the visitors found themselves ahead after Nectarios Triantis was adjudged to have fouled Alistair Johnston in the box, leading to a penalty being awarded by Nick Walsh.
Republic of Ireland international Idah cooly slotted home from 12 yards to put the Bhoys ahead; however, it would be anything but plain sailing as time dragged on in the capital.
To their credit, Nick Montgomery’s Hibernian gained a foothold in the second 45 and levelled through an exquisite volley from Dylan Levitt, setting up a nervy ending for Rodgers’ men.
Joe Hart made a sharp stop to defy Myziane Maolida’s overhead kick minutes later, which was followed up by a golden opportunity for Lewis Miller to convert, though the Australian fluffed his lines.
Despite being on the ropes, Celtic were gifted the chance to claim three points in stoppage time as a result of Joe Newell’s late attempt to block a Kyogo Furuhashi strike.
Cork-born Idah sent David Marshall the wrong way to make sure of the points and restored his loan club’s three-point advantage at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.
Adam Idah ‘delighted’ to score his first goals for Celtic
Last weekend, Idah grabbed an assist on his debut against Aberdeen. Following yesterday’s events, it is fair to say that he has taken his chance to impress under Rodgers.
Speaking about scoring his first goals in Celtic colours, the Irishman has signalled that he is ‘delighted’ to have got off the mark for his new club.
He stated [Celtic FC official website]: “It was an amazing feeling to score in the 90th minute, and to get three points topped it all off.
“I missed a few chances tonight which I was frustrated with, but I’ve taken penalties throughout my whole career and I think I’ve only missed one, so I was quite confident taking the penalty and thankfully it went in.
“I’ve said before that I’ve always wanted to play for this club and to score, especially last minutes in front of the fans, was such an amazing feeling so I was delighted. But it’s time to focus on the next game.”
Despite some initial scepticism, Idah has proved to be a focal point in attack that can offer a completely different profile to Furuhashi’s movement and potency.
The Norwich City loanee has been a bright spark so far and will hope to get another chance to start at St Mirren in the Scottish Cup this Sunday.
If it weren’t for the ice in his veins from the spot, Celtic could’ve very easily dropped points for the second league game in quick succession.
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