Adam Idah has a big Celtic problem but I know how he can solve it despite 'catch 22' situation
The Republic of Ireland striker has often played second fiddle to Daizen Maeda through the middle in recent months
Adam Idah just needs to keep believing that he has what it takes to become Celtic's undisputed number nine.
That's the view of his former international teammate Shane Long, who admits that the former Norwich man has a real task on his hands to try and dislodge Daizen Maeda in the starting XI at Parkhead.
Kyogo's £10million departure to Rennes in January combined with Celtic's failure to bring in a replacement had presented Idah with the chance to really nail down a starting berth.
But despite scoring a Champions League brace against Aston Villa, £8.5million summer signing Idah hasn't quite been able to find the back of the net on a regular basis, scoring 15 goals in 47 appearances in all competitions this season.
In comparison, Brendan Rodgers' decision to move pacey winger Maeda into a central position has proved dividends. The Japan star's red-hot form this season has seen him net a remarkable 33 goals in 46 appearances, including four strikes in nine Champions League games.
But ex English Premier League frontman Long reckons it's only a matter of him before Idah really comes into his own.
Long told BoyleSports - who offer the latest Irish Premier Division Odds & Betting - he said: "Adam Idah has done okay at Celtic, he’s got 23 goals in 65 appearances.
"I think the biggest problem for him is Daizen Maeda. He's flying at the moment and it's strong competition.
"I think when he does start games, he doesn't light it up as much as he probably should to really cause the manager a few issues, headaches about picking the starting team.
"It's when he comes in off the bench that he's really effective so it's a nice weapon for the manager to have. I had it for a while in my career as a super sub.
"You're kind of in a catch-22 where you want to come on off the bench and do well, but you don't want to do that thing of always coming off the bench to do well.
"He's still quite young, I've played with him and know his ability.
"He's strong, he's a link-up player and he's a good finisher so it will happen for him. He just needs to keep believing."
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