Liam Scales has backed Adam Idah to kick on at Celtic next season after enduring ‘harsh’ criticism for his contribution to date this term.
A £9million signing from Norwich last summer, Idah’s then record move came on the back of him scoring nine times during an initial five-month loan spell which included two goals against Rangers.
Although the Irish forward has netted 18 times this season, including three in his past two games, a 14-match barren run in winter ensured he has not had his critics to seek.
But international team-mate Scales believes Idah’s goal return should be commended and — ahead of today’s clash at Ibrox — predicts that the forward has only just got going in a Celtic jersey.
‘Adam has been a big player for us this season and has scored a lot of goals,’ Scales stated. ‘The criticism maybe came during that little run he went on without scoring. But that happens to every striker.
‘It was just unfortunate with the timing of it, but look at his numbers overall. Even last year, you look at the massive goals he scored.
Idah has managed to find the net 18 times in all competitions this season
The Irishman found has found the net in his last two appearances, including in the Scottish Cup semi-final
‘I think the criticism has been harsh and the only reason I can see is that spell where he didn’t score. But then you look at the way he has bounced back and scored goals in the last few weeks.
‘He’s also had big goals in games against Rangers, so let’s hope that happens again.’
With Idah contracted to the club until 2029, Scales is certain that his fellow Irishman will only go from strength to strength at Parkhead.
‘Adam has done really well for us but will be even better next season,’ he added. ‘He is still young and has so much potential.
‘Look at all the attributes he has to be a top striker — he’s strong, powerful and he can finish. He can finish off both feet and the longer he is here, the better he will get.
‘Working with the coaches here, in this system, I can see him kicking on again.’
Scales himself has worked his way back into Brendan Rodgers’ team lately at Auston Trusty’s expense.
Idah enjoyed the title party celebrations last weekend after Celtic’s 5-0 win over Dundee United
Adamant he feels as good as he has done at any point this season, the defender said: ‘I broke my jaw in the St Mirren game and I had to get that fixed up with an operation.
‘I am fine now. It’s all healed up and I am sorted now. I missed a bit of football but I did a lot of work with the strength and conditioning coaches when I was out.
‘I actually felt fitter when I came back due to that time spent really just focusing on fitness.
‘It’s hard to not stay fit when you have all the coaches and facilities here at Lennoxtown. They would never let you get slack, so you should always come back fit.
‘There is competition all over the pitch at this club. It’s not just for our position. But sometimes the team needs to be freshened up and different games suit different players.
‘We both understand that but it’s been good. It keeps you on your toes and at the top of your game. If you aren’t playing well, you know you will be taken out.’
