‘Not his fault’ – Andy Walker critical of Adam Idah, as Celtic star is defended by an unlikely source

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This is Adam Idah’s first full season in the colours of Celtic, and it has divided opinion.

The 24-year-old first joined Celtic on a six-month loan deal, including scoring the winner in the Scottish Cup final against Rangers.

That goal was always going to result in the champions of Scotland signing him on a permanent basis, and that’s exactly what happened last summer.

Celtic paid £9 million for Idah from Norwich City, and now he is course to help Scotland’s most successful club win another Treble.

Despite Idah netting a brace at the weekend, as Celtic secured the Premiership title by thrashing Dundee United, he has come in for some criticism by Andy Walker, who was then pushed back on his comments by an unlikely source.

• READ MORE: SFA release Hampden audio and what the referee surprisingly said about Celtic striker Adam Idah

Adam Idah defended by Rangers pundit after Andy Walker’s criticism

One of the things Walker stated about Idah’s season, and his 17 goals, is the fact that it has been ‘a bit steady’, before proceeding to compare it to his price tag.

But former Rangers man Craig Moore, as an unlikely source, defended the Republic of Ireland star and tried to make it clear that it’s ‘not his fault’ the club paid such a fee for him.

Moore also pointed out that Idah is being ‘harshly’ treated and he thinks that, for the minutes he has played, he has done pretty well, as he told Go Radio.

“I listen to a lot of family and friends, they have got different views on a player like Adam Idah, who gets a couple of goals at the weekend,” said Walker. “He has got 17 overall for the season. There are a few who I have spoken to who say they expected better.

“I think anyone who finishes with 17 goals, I think it’s a bit steady. When you think of the highlight of his goals. To score a couple at Villa.

“Obviously, there is someone who is one of the big favourites with the Celtic support having got the winner in the cup final last season, but if he could get a big goal at Ibrox to help Celtic get a win, then it would help turn people’s mind that he could be a really good player.”

Craig Moore defended Idah: “I like Adam Idah. I think, for the minutes he has been exposed to, his record has been very good. He gets himself in between the sticks a lot, and that’s where he gets his goals. I think quite a lot of people are quite harsh on Adam Idah.”

Walker then stated: “It’s the fee, Craig,” before the former Rangers man responded: “Well, that’s not the player’s fault.”

Walker added: “Yes, it’s not the player’s fault. But anyone who comes in at £9 million or £11 million. That’s why there is probably extra focus on Idah. Extra focus on Engels because they cost a lot of money.”

Idah’s numbers and minutes for Celtic compared to Daizen Maeda

There is no doubt that you want improvement from Idah, and there are a few levels he can yet hit.

But, from what he has produced this season, it needs to be put into context, as the stats make for interesting reading.

At the end of the day, you need rhythm and flow as a striker, and despite Idah playing one game more than Daizen Maeda this term, the minutes on the pitch tell another story.