Celtic get Tynecastle boost as Adam Idah returns to training

Celtic striker Adam Idah has returned to training after pulling out of international duty for Ireland…

Adam Idah receives treatment
Adam Idah receives treatment at Rugby Park. Photo Vagelis Georgariou for The Celtic Star.

The Celtic frontman was pictured in yesterday’s session where majority of the 13 players who had been playing for their respective countries over the most recent international break returned to Lennoxtown.

It has not yet been confirmed whether Brendan Rodgers’ £9 million man picked up a knock against Kilmarnock in Ayrshire prior to the break or whether Idah was still carrying an injury from Motherwell defender Liam Gordon’s horrendous challenge at Fir Park in late October.

Kyogo has had a long journey 

Idah’s strike partner Kyogo made long journeys across Indonesia and China where he made his first start for his country in over a year. Whether or not this plays into the decision making of the Hoops boss at Tynecastle will remain to be seen, but if Idah’s fresher and has had that welcome break to recover, Rodgers might opt for the 23 year-old ahead of Celtic’s ever-reliable Japanese marksman.

Adam Idah receiving treatment.
Adam Idah receiving treatment. Photo Vagelis Georgariou for The Celtic Star

However, the physical presence of Idah may play into the Jambos hands. After all, Kyogo’s record versus Hearts, and specifically at Tynecastle is emphatic. Since arriving to Glasgow from Vissel Kobe in the summer of 2021, Kyogo has netted 10 times against the Tynecastle club.

Tynecastle penalty miss

Whereas Adam Idah’s last visit to Gorgie was one to forget. Zander Clark saved Idah’s crucial spot kick. Subsequently, Yang would be controversially sent off, and Celtic would lose the match 2-0. Indeed, that encounter with Hearts was the last time Celtic have lost on the domestic scene – 24 games ago.

Adam Idah celebrates.
Adam Idah celebrates.Photo Vagelis Georgariou for The Celtic Star

Alas, selection dilemmas for Rodgers are positive. Although Idah may not start, his availability gives the manager a quality option from the bench to utilise. Three points and staying at the top of the league is a priority.

Kick off for tomorrow’s Scottish Premiership encounter under the lights at Tynecastle is 7:45pm and is live on Sky Sports. As ever, for subscribers outside Britain and Ireland, Celtic TV are producing coverage of the game.

Conor Spence

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About Author

A current third year student studying History and Journalism, Media and Communications at the University of Strathclyde and now writing regularly about the Hoops for The Celtic Star.

1 Comment

  1. Again for Rodgers, he will have a few decisions to make for tomorrow?
    With the cheating officials appointed, then the mini huns are allowed to take the same thuggery footballing approach?
    If Rodgers thinks that might be the case, then idah might well be the better option to start with imo?
    Kyogo should start against brugge in the CL, so allowing him more recovery time, could well be the better option for ourselves?
    Think the same situation might exist between scales and Trusty also?
    Again I would think scales might be better suited for tomorrow also imo?