Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has a nicely balanced squad to navigate the first half of the campaign with following a successful summer window.
Despite Arne Engels arguably becoming the headliner due to his move to Glasgow, Republic of Ireland international Adam Idah’s return to Glasgow for £9.5 million, including add-ons, also generated plenty of discussion.
So often the hero in green and white across the second half of last campaign, bringing the Cork-born frontman back to Celtic Park was the biggest no-brainer signing the club have been presented with in a while.
Accompanying Kyogo Furuhashi in occupying the striking slots, Idah will now be expected to take on a central role after getting up to speed following some fine-tuning to his fitness levels.
It isn’t a surprise it took a while for the Irishman to hit his stride again; his summer was uncertain. Now, entering a good place on the pitch, his next step will be cementing a starting post under Brendan Rodgers.
The two-striker dilemma Brendan Rodgers has at Celtic
Rodgers made it clear during the summer that he wanted two ‘number one strikers’ to fit the brief in attack, with his wish now granted in the form of Furuhashi and Idah.
Biding his time, the latter had to wait for his fifth Bhoys appearance against Slovan Bratislava to get off the mark for a second time in Glasgow.
Composing himself before firing past Dominik Takac, Idah felt the acclaim of the Celtic fans he proved himself to and then some last season. Fast forward the clock, and he has claimed three goals in under a week following his brace in the Hoops’ cup thriller against Falkirk yesterday afternoon.
Furuhashi was rested against the Bairns, though he also scored in the Champions League last Wednesday, adding to his tally of two after a stunning strike against Rangers earlier this month.
With some fierce tests in the coming weeks for Celtic, including a trip to Dortmund either side of away clashes at St Johnstone and Ross County, Rodgers may have a decision to make at centre-forward.
The Celtic striker decision that will provoke intrigue
Seemingly back ‘fit and firing’ as some may say after rejoining the Scottish Premiership champions, Idah showed against Falkirk that he is now ready to start when called upon, rather than featuring as a late substitute off the bench or being brought off during proceedings.
Minutes in his legs have been vital over the last few weeks. Now he is starting to make a material impact; Rodgers has food for thought regarding his favoured choice to lead the line over the coming weeks.
On the other side of the international break, a crucial league clash against Aberdeen lies before Atalanta in the Champions League and Motherwell away days later.
The expectation will be for Rodgers to rotate, but there is every chance he could sway towards one horse more than the other depending on form.
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