Top Line Summary

  • Happy to be at the club
  • Has felt the love of the fans
  • Spoke to ROI teammates about Celtic
  • Admires manager's history of developing players

Everything Celtic's new signing Adam Idah said, ahead of his team's game against Aberdeen at Pittodrie in the Scottish Premiership...

How happy are you to be here?

I am delighted the last couple of days have been very stressful. Today is the first day when it has been quiet. I'm just so happy to be here.

When did the stress start? When did you first find out about the move?

Monday morning. I found out there was interest then and from then it kicked on but I was here, there and everywhere. I am chilling now but I am really looking forward to it.

There was talk of a potential move to Italy as well and other English clubs were interested. Why was Celtic the move you wanted to make?

It was a no-brainer. I've always said I wanted to play for Celtic. It is such a big club. The gaffer that is here, the history that he has got at this club developing young players, I think this will suit me to a tee. I can't wait to get started.

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It's a six-month loan what are you hoping to achieve in the next six months?

I'm the type of guy that will take each game as it comes. I want to win games. I want to be that demanding. What happens at the end of the season we will see.

How do you view the challenge of getting into the team? Kyogo is prolific, are you viewing it as hoping that you can play with him or trying to battle for that first-team place?

There is always going to be competition in the squad whether that be on the bench or playing with him it is going to be great for me. I'm still 22 years of age. Of course, I want to play as many games as I can. Look it is going to be exciting for me to play with him and all the other players.

Is there anybody else you have spoken to about the move?

There are quite a few.  I spoke to Liam Scales and Mikey Johnston and they all speak so highly of the city and the fans. It has got me excited. 

You say it is something you've always wanted to do. Where does that come from?

That comes from my Irish background and my friends and family back home all support Celtic. We played Celtic in pre-season last year I believe and when I walked out into the stadium it was a big shock to me. It gave me goosebumps and I did say I always wanted to play here. I just didn't think it would be this early but I am excited to be here.

What’s the reaction been like back home?

My phone was popping off last night. To be fair, all of the messages from the fans have been amazing so I’m very thankful for that. They’ve given me a big welcome, so I’m looking forward to seeing them in person.

What would you say to Celtic fans who haven’t seen you play that much? What can they expect?

I think I’m quite hard-working and a hard-working guy. I can link the game up well and I’ve got a lot of pace. If you look at my numbers on paper they might not look as good because I haven’t had that many chances but for me, I’m a confident player and I’m sure I can help the team quite a bit.

There’s a lot to play for at Celtic by the way of leagues and cups. Is that what excites you, the opportunity to win silverware?

100 per cent. I think any player when they go to a club, they want to win trophies. Right now, as I said, I want to take each game as it comes. Whatever happens at the end of the season, we’ll see.

READ MORE: Why Celtic's David Turnbull is a big 'What If?' for the club

You talked about the experience of walking out at Celtic Park for a friendly. How much are you looking to walk out in a competitive game with a full crowd?

I can’t wait. When all the fans were messaging me, it got me even more excited. When I spoke to Scalesy about the stadium, he spoke highly of it. It’s really exciting for me to be at such a big club and to play in front of these fans. It does excite me.

A big game tomorrow at Aberdeen. Are you fit and ready to go if called upon?

I’ve trained the last couple of days now, so I’m just looking forward to getting out there. If I play or not, it’s good to be with the squad.

You mentioned the manager, he’s got a good reputation for developing younger players. What’s he said to you about fitting in and what you can do for your career? 

We spoke briefly and there are little bits that he thinks he can add to my game and what I can improve on, which I agree with, and I think we’ve come up with a plan and what I need to do. It got me excited and I want to play for a manager that has a history of developing players and winning trophies. I’m looking forward to working under him.