Idah Defends Himself Against Criticism of Off-Field Conduct

Celtic striker Adam Idah has fired back at critics who questioned his off-field conduct towards the end of last season.

A video was circulated on social media back in April which appeared to show Idah looking worse for wear and vomiting in the back of a taxi.

Idah, who was on a day off at the time, immediately sought to explain himself to Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers in the aftermath.

Rodgers was quick to defend the Republic of Ireland striker, who was signed for £9million from Norwich City last summer.

Speaking to Irish media ahead of his country’s friendlies against Senegal and Luxembourg, Idah insisted he will continue to live his life as normal.

‘It didn’t impact me,’ said the 24-year-old in response to the social media storm around the video.

‘I was out on a day off, that was that. The manager understood. I was off, I went out with the boys, and that was that.

‘There was no problem with the manager – he spoke about it really well.

‘I will be video-taped, but at the end of the day, I am a human being. I go out. I’m not a robot where I have to stay inside all the time.

‘It’s hard when people are videoing you. It can be quite upsetting, especially when the story is made out to be what it is not.

‘It can be tough, but like I said, I am human and I’m going to carry on with my life.’

All in all, Idah had a testing season. He wasn’t first-choice for a lot of the campaign, with Daizen Maeda shining in a central role.

But the Irishman still scored 20 goals in 53 appearances, which was the highest total of his career thus far.

Learning to deal with the pressure and demands at a club like Celtic is something which he feels will stand him in good stead moving forward.

‘The pressure is a lot and you are expected to deliver,’ he said. ‘I think with my experience now, you have to put that behind you. You know what you are good at.

‘If you don’t score for a couple of games, it is not helpful to listen to an ex-player. I am not really concerned with what he thinks – I am there to do my bit.

‘I had a good run in the last few games, but I know it can turn quick. That is football.

‘There have been plenty of games when I have gone without scoring, you have to stay focused and help the team.

‘There is a lot of pressure at the club to be successful. It is good, I think. Every player wants to play at a big club, but what comes with a big club is the pressure.

‘It was a disappointing end to the season for us [losing the Scottish Cup Final], but an overall fantastic season.

‘I came away with two trophies, scored 20 goals and got the winning goal in the last camp for Ireland. I feel really good.

‘Most strikers will say the same thing: that you get that feeling from scoring goals, and you’re hungry for more. It’s great to have.

‘I got into a nice little rhythm towards the end of the season, and hopefully I can come into this camp and score more.’

Meanwhile, Kieran Tierney has said his farewell to Arsenal fans ahead of his impending move back to Celtic in the summer.

Tierney will return to Parkhead on a free transfer once his contract with the Gunners expires.

Tierney told the Arsenal website: ‘Just thank you for everything from day one. The fans supported us through the good times and the bad, and they supported me through some hard times as well.

‘I think that’s what I’m most grateful for, the times where it wasn’t so good or so easy for me is when they probably supported me most, so I’m just very grateful and I feel very lucky to have the support from them.

‘I feel so lucky that I’ve played for this club and the love that the supporters have given me has been amazing. I’ve loved every day here and I’ve learned so much, I’ve improved so much and I just feel very lucky.’