Brendan Rodgers says Celtic already have a player who can stand in for Adam Idah ‘if needed’

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Celtic striker Adam Idah sustained a knock last weekend against Motherwell that has required a scan to determine the nature of his injury.

In a challenge from Liam Gordon that resulted in a red card during the Bhoys’ win at Fir Park last weekend, Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers revealed Idah is awaiting results after the mistimed tackle left him in discomfort during the latter stages.

He explained: “Well, I can’t worry until I get the results back; I think it was a poor challenge. Thankfully, the ground was a bit wet, so his foot is able to move, otherwise if it’s a dry pitch and his foot sticks in the field, it can be a really bad one.”

Despite Idah’s goal against Motherwell, the Republic of Ireland international is unlikely to take part against Dundee tonight after having his ankle ‘rocked’ by Gordon in Lanarkshire.

With Kyogo Furuhashi the only natural striker left in contention, Rodgers has indicated there is another member of his squad who can stand in for Idah if needed.

Brendan Rodgers’ auxiliary Celtic striker solution

Speaking in his press conference ahead of Celtic’s clash against Dundee this evening, Rodgers believes that Daizen Maeda can step into Idah’s shoes as a central striker if needed.

Previously, Japan international Maeda featured through the middle against Hibernian back in August and scored twice as the Bhoys progressed in the Premier Sports Cup.

He stated when asked about forward options: “If needed, if needed. Earlier on in the season, when Daizen played up front, he scored two goals. So, I think it’s a position he can play.

“We want to have as many of our players fit and available for all the games that we have. But, yes, it is a position that Daizen can play.”

Daizen Maeda’s goalscoring tally for Celtic is impressive

Although he is primarily deployed off the left, Maeda has registered 35 goals in 116 appearances for Celtic, showing a natural instinct to sniff out chances at the back post.

Six of those strikes occurred during this campaign, pitting him as the Bhoys’ joint-top goalscorer in line with high-flying winger Nicolas Kuhn.

Ultimately, Idah being out isn’t an ideal situation, but Maeda should be able to soften the blow in the short-term if the Irishman does need treatment.

Come January, the striker position may be an area Rodgers looks to add some extra firepower to for the second half of the campaign.