‘Speaks volumes’… Chris Sutton states how Brendan Rodgers feels about Adam Idah ahead of Celtic’s summer transfer window

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Adam Idah became Celtic’s record transfer incoming last summer upon signing from Norwich City.

The £11m Arne Engels may have usurped him, but the initial £8.5m spent on the Irishman put huge pressure on his shoulders to deliver for Celtic this season.

Idah has plenty of critics, but his goal record of 18 goals in 50 games across all competitions is certainly not the worst, particularly when he doesn’t start very often.

Kyogo was Celtic’s central striker for the first half of the season and now Daizen Maeda has taken that mantle after his countryman’s £10m exit to Ligue 1.

It is clear Rodgers prefers Maeda to Idah as Celtic’s main forward and Sutton thinks that speaks volumes about what the Northern Irishman thinks of the 24-year-old.

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Sutton’s gloomy Adam Idah outlook

Writing in his weekly Daily Record column, Sutton was discussing the wider issue of what Celtic need to expect and do during this summer’s transfer window.

He expects incomings and outgoings, but most importantly, Sutton wants to see his former side sign another striker, which doesn’t sound good for Idah.

Sutton said: “Celtic will want to add a couple at least regardless but how many will be down to departures.

“There’s bound to be interest in some of them. You wouldn’t be shocked if there’s a bid for Daizen Maeda and a big money offer could be hard to turn down.

“There was talk around Nicolas Kuhn in January and it could happen again and I don’t think anyone would be surprised if Reo Hatate wanted a new challenge.

“That would leave some serious work required to get the squad up to scratch for the Champions League play-off qualifier.

“Beyond them, Celtic obviously need another striker. Kyogo hasn’t been replaced and I’ve said often enough, if Rodgers felt Adam Idah was the answer he would be starting him up front every week.

“Instead it’s been Maeda and that speaks volumes.”

Idah can be useful for Celtic next season

Idah has scored four goals in his last three games for Celtic, one of course came in the 1-1 draw with Rangers at Ibrox last weekend.

Yes, there’s been games when Idah has started and failed to make an impact – the Kilmarnock game when Celtic scored five goals was one of them.

But he is contributing for the Hoops and perhaps Sutton is wrong about Celtic’s need to sign a new striker this summer.

Maeda and Idah are capable of playing the central striker role, so the club actually could be doing with signing a couple of new wingers to replace the injured Jota and cover for Nicolas Kuhn in the event he is sold.