Adam Idah played a massive part in Celtic’s midweek Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich – perhaps for the wrong reason.
Brendan Rodgers entrusted the Irishman to lead the line against the Bundesliga giants instead of Daizen Maeda, who ran riot in the Raith Rovers victory through the middle.
But Idah is in form for the Bhoys and scored twice in his last Champions League game as Aston Villa beat Celtic 4-2 in Birmingham.
Celtic thought they’d made the absolutely perfect start against Bayern Munich after 25 seconds as Nicolas Kuhn cut in from the right and unleashed a strike past goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
The goal sparked wild celebrations around Celtic Park – but they weren’t to last for that long as players and fans began to notice the linesman’s flag had been raised.
He penalised Idah for standing in an offside position when the shot was hit and thus interfering with Neuer’s vision as the strike whistled past the striker.
It was checked and upheld by VAR as the most unbelievable starts to a Champions League game at Parkhead ended in disappointment.
Adam Idah on Nicolas Kuhn’s offside Celtic ‘goal’ vs Bayern Munich
Idah has been reflecting on what he described as a ‘mad’ incident and admits he’s still in two minds over whether or not it should have been disallowed.
The 24-year-old knew at the time that he was standing in an offside position, but still isn’t totally convinced if he was impacting Neuer between the sticks.
Idah said: “It was a bit of a mad one. It was an unbelievable start but these things happen in football. I still don’t know myself, is it interrupting with Neuer or not?
“Look, it happens. I thought the boys put in a really good shift all game. We stuck to it and never gave up right to the very end.
“It was a really exciting game and we’re looking forward to it (the second leg).”
Asked if he was surprised when the assistant referee’s flag went up after Kuhn’s chalked off goal, Idah replied: “I was and I wasn’t because I knew I was offside.
“I just didn’t know how much of an impact I was making on Neuer. Watching it back, maybe I did, I don’t know. It’s a difficult one but hopefully we can try and put it right on Tuesday.”
Idah’s Celtic impact since Kyogo exit
Wednesday night was a disappointment for Idah on a personal and team level. But the £9m summer signing still has plenty to shout about.
Idah was Kyogo’s understudy at the Hoops up until the Japanese forward made a £10m switch to Stade Rennais in the January transfer window.
That has promoted Idah to first choice striker at the club and it’s safe to say he’s stepped up to the plate when required.
He’s netted four goals in four games since Kyogo left, the brace against Aston Villa and one apiece versus Motherwell and Dundee in the Premiership.
Maeda’s hat-trick playing in a central position against Raith Rovers does give Brendan Rodgers food for thought however, so it remains to be seen if Idah is picked up front for the longer term.
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