He came into Scottish football like a wrecking ball. He's now a Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup winner.
Adam Idah was the difference at Hampden Park as Celtic edged Rangers 1-0 to complete the 'double'. The on-loan Norwich City attacker buried his only chance in the 89th minute as he brought the curtain down on his Celtic spell for the time being in a dramatic style. He became the first player to score the winner in a Scottish Cup final against Rangers since Joe Miller achieved the same feat in 1989.
Idah has plundered nine goals since he joined up from the Canaries in January. Every one was critical to the Celtic cause. A brace of penalties at Easter Road, a vital double at Fir Park, a counter at Ibrox, the opener in the 5-0 title-clinching romp at Rugby Park and now a winner in the Scottish Cup final against Rangers. What a fantastic showreel for any player.
No wonder Brendan Rodgers admitted that he wants to sign the striker on a permanent deal. Idah stands at 6 ft 2 inches tall and Rodgers revealed that his 'big game player' has all of a sudden become a top priority on his shopping list this summer. The Celtic hierarchy already knows the Northern Irishman's feelings on the subject.
READ MORE: Why Brendan Rodgers want to sign 'big game 'Celtic player
Rodgers said: "Listen, the board know how I feel about Adam. That was my reason for bringing him in. I felt that he has been the real catalyst for us over the course of the last few months. He came in and I knew what I was getting. I had seen him live in the Premier League and he was 18 then and he has all the attributes.
"What I love about him is that he is a big game player and in so many big moments he has stepped up to the plate. I was so happy for him. A boy from Ireland playing in the Scottish Cup final and scoring a goal for Celtic against Rangers. Wow! What a summer he will have.
When asked if he was confident of landing Idah in the summer and that the 23-year-old had indicated a desire to stay in Glasgow, Rodgers said: "I don't know. The board will have a wee look at that. It is something that will remain private. There is still a lot of work to do. He knows my feelings, the club know my feelings and we will see what happens."
READ MORE: Celtic instant analysis as last gasp Idah wins leaves Rangers sickened
Maybe it was written in the stars. Celtic equalled the number of Glasgow derby wins as both sides are now on 169 victories. Not only that, the men in green and white also moved level on the number of trophies won as both teams now have 118 bits of silverware apiece.
It was all set up for Celtic to win though, wasn't it? Surely Celtic couldn't possibly lose a final on May 25th could they? Rodgers revealed that he never even brought up Jock Stein's legendary Lisbon Lions side who won the European Cup in 1967 on the same date.
The Northern Irishman took the players to Seamill Hydro to prepare for the title-winning game at Rugby Park insisted he didn't want to burden the players and put too much pressure on their shoulders on a date that is synonymous with the football club.
The 51-year-old said: "I would be lying if I said yes. The answer is no. The significance will come afterwards. I don't like to add pressure to the players. It is an iconic date that is synonymous with this club and always will be.
"This will join it. The guys winning the League and Scottish Cup double on this date. It will be a great memory for all Celtic supporters but I did not touch on that beforehand."
Rodgers promised the Celtic supporters last June that he would see them back on the famous Parkhead steps in May. He wasn't wrong. He will see them laden down with two of the three domestic pieces of Scottish football silverware into the bargain.
Back in January, it was Rodgers who was excited and raved about this incoming Norwich City and Republic of Ireland international prospect. The Celtic supporters had no 'Ideah' who Idah was. They certainly know now.
You get the feeling the wrecking ball has only just started his Celtic chapter. The 'catalyst' helped Rodgers and Celtic write their own story complete with a fairytale ending.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel