What Adam Idah has been told about what needs ‘improving’ after Celtic pre-season performances

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Adam Idah has not had the best of times during Celtic’s pre-season so far.

In Celtic’s win over Sporting CP, Idah toiled as he missed a trio of chances to help bury the Portuguese champions in the Algarve.

Most notably, Idah’s miss from three yards out has been highlighted as a sitter as the Republic of Ireland striker looks lacking in confidence.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers sent Idah a message and told his £8.5m man that he needs to sharpen up.

And next up is John Hartson, who has shared what he’s noticed about Idah and what the Celtic man needs to do to improve ahead of the new season.

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John Hartson believes Adam Idah has a lot to ‘work on’ at Celtic

Hartson was a very successful Celtic striker as he, Chris Sutton and Henrik Larsson terrorised Scottish defences in the early 2000s.

And here, big bad John tells Idah what he needs to do to get out of his slump and become a very good Celtic striker this season.

Hartson told The Herald, “There are bits in Idah’s game that need improving, like his hold-up play. I feel Idah needs to learn to hold onto the ball longer and bring other players into the game, and not be too quick to get rid of it.

“He has to sometimes realise that he has more time than he thinks, particularly on the edge of the box. He could also work on the way he backs into players in order to bring others into the play.”

The ‘good traits’ Adam Idah has that impresses Celtic hero Hartson

As well as giving Idah tips, Hartson has pointed out the parts of the Celtic striker’s game he believes he executes well.

Hartson continued, “I will praise Idah’s other attributes, as he possesses a lot of good traits, such as his work rate and his finishing, and he knows how to time his runs in behind. He works hard for the team, and he closes defenders down.

“Idah has also shown his talents when he has come up with big goals against Rangers domestically as well as against Aston Villa and Young Boys in the Champions League. His brace against Aston Villa at Villa Park was sensational as he almost single-handedly dragged Celtic back into the match that night.

“It is those kinds of performances that will have convinced Rodgers to persevere with Idah and that he can score goals for Celtic. That’s why the Celtic supporters should not have too many concerns about Idah, as strikers are judged more harshly than any other outfield player.”

Idah recently defended his Celtic record after the Irishman said his 20-goal season last year was a successful one for him and the team.

Now heading into his second season at Celtic, it seems Idah has a bit of work to do to convince Rodgers and the fans that he is the man to lead the front line domestically and in Europe for the Bhoys.