Celtic have endured some mixed luck in front of goal under Brendan Rodgers in what has become an unpredictable campaign.
One week, the Bhoys are firing seven goals past Dundee on the way to a comprehensive victory, and a few days later, we’re drawing a blank at Tynecastle, though there were some mitigating circumstances in that case.
Rodgers has the luxury of choosing between Adam Idah, Kyogo Furuhashi and Hyeongyu Oh to spearhead his attack; meanwhile, the first two have also been utilised together in a striking partnership.
In the case of Japanese talisman Furuhashi, it has been a struggle to get the 29-year-old firing on all cylinders, though 14 goals and three assists in 39 appearances is a tally that can be built on come May [Transfermarkt].
Oh and Idah are tied on five strikes apiece; however, the latter has amassed his total in just eight matches compared to the South Korea international’s 26 outings.
Nine league matches plus the potential for two more Scottish Cup fixtures remain, and all three players will likely be central to the Hoops’ push to bring a domestic double back to Parkhead.
Pundit explains Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic striking conundrum
Following Furuhashi’s late introduction and goal at home to Livingston last weekend, Rodgers has a decision to make this Saturday against St Johnstone over whether to start the former Vissel Kobe man or Idah in the lone striker role.
Of course, the 51-year-old could opt to play both; however, we will need to wait and see on a day where Celtic could move top of the Scottish Premiership.
Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, former Scotland international Kenny Miller has revealed he would have Furuhashi starting over Idah if push came to shove; nevertheless, he has also acknowledged his dip in consistency across 2023/24.
He stated: “I think it’ll be something that’ll be on Brendan’s mind because you’ve got a top-quality striker there. I know there has been a lot of talk about different styles or maybe not playing quite to his strengths, but I don’t think he’s been at the same level as what he has been over the previous two seasons, and Adam Idah has come in and done well.”
“Celtic fans have been constant, probably in the summer, even since last season (saying) ‘we need a backup, if Kyogo’s injured or not quite firing or even to come on and give us something different’, and I think Adam Idah’s done that.
“He’s scored some big goals for Celtic as well, but I think again, if there’s a cup final tomorrow, for me, I would still have Kyogo in my team ahead of Adam Idah; I think what he provides is constant movement, but what I would say is I don’t think he’s been as effective as he has been this season as what he has been.”
Form is temporary; class is permanent. Furuhashi has shown he can be relied upon in crunch moments for Celtic this season, scoring the winning goal in both Glasgow Derby matches against Rangers.
Encouragingly, Rodgers does have options to choose from across his forward line, and it will be interesting to see who he favours up top as the campaign draws closer to its climax.
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