Chris Sutton says Brendan Rodgers signing who ‘exceeded expectation’ is now ‘suffering’ at Celtic

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Celtic’s recruitment has required a bit of patience over the years because it has taken its time to produce the desired result.

Whether it’s Ange Postecoglou in the dugout or Brendan Rodgers, the fans have craved that ready-made player, but the powers that be have always gone down the road of bringing in unproven stars.

That was the case this summer after Celtic won the double upon Rodgers’ return to the club last season and then they used the Matt O’Riley money to further enhance the squad.

The standout transfer was Celtic paying a club-record fee for Arne Engels, as well as purchasing Adam Idah after his strong loan spell and adding boyhood fan, Luke McCowan, to the ranks.

All three players have been in and out of the XI this season, yet to establish themselves, as they try to prove their worth to Rodgers and also compete against such a super Celtic squad.

But Chris Sutton feels that’s where Idah is finding his issues, as the 23-year-old’s form has gone out of the window in recent weeks.

Chris Sutton says Adam Idah is ‘suffering’ at Celtic

Idah started Celtic’s win at Ross County over the weekend, with the manager trying Kyogo Furuhashi in a new role because of injuries to his wide areas.

When everyone is fit, the Irishman isn’t the first choice and Sutton thinks that ‘doesn’t help’ the striker’s cause to find that consistency in his game.

Sutton also thinks that, last season, during Idah’s six-month loan spell from Norwich City, he ‘exceeded expectation’, as he told Sky Sports Football (11/01/25 at 12:15 pm).

“He hasn’t been playing regular football, which doesn’t help,” said Kris Boyd. “He has had a few games recently. What are you (Chris Sutton) thinking?”

Sutton responded: “I think it’s difficult when you are out of the team. He hasn’t scored in ten games, but it is difficult when you come in for a game and then you are left out. He started the last couple.

“I think, last season, when he came in, I thought he exceeded expectation and the goal tally was good. His all-round game was good. But I think he has suffered from a lack of game time.”

Idah’s stats for Celtic this season

Celtic have some huge Champions League games coming up – Young Boys at home and then a mouthwatering showdown against Aston Villa on January 29.

Bearing that in mind, Rodgers isn’t going to risk his injured players – Daizen Maeda and Nicolas Kuhn – so, you wonder if he will stick to the same XI for the trip to Dundee on Tuesday night.

In truth, someone like Idah needs to remain in the XI because you will then back him to find a goal sooner rather than later because he hasn’t scored in the Premiership since November.

Competition		Apps	Goals	Assists	Minutes
	Premiership	19	5	1	824′
	UEFA Champions League	6	1	–	147′