Sutton changes mind about Celtic's Idah, and wants club to keep him

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has changed his tune about Adam Idah and is now backing the club to keep him on their books for next season. Idah joined the famous Glasgow club from Championship side Norwich City last January and has since become a fan favourite as they lifted another Scottish league title this year.

When his move was ongoing, Sutton feared that the Irish sharpshooter would struggle to cope with the demands of the Scottish Premier League.

"My fear is that Idah will struggle to displace Celtic’s other strikers and isn’t any better than Oh Hyeon-gyu. He is a development player, and I’m not sure that is what Celtic needs right now. I really hope he knows what he is getting himself into."

However, the Ireland forward went on to score eight goals in 14 games despite only starting a handful of matches. Sutton now has a vastly different opinion when it comes to Idah. He believes that if Celtic can get him for a reasonable fee, then that would suit the club.

Adam Idah McCarthy (Sportsfile via Getty Images)

"I hope so. Look, a change in environment has really worked for him; his performance in midweek, as I said before the game against Kilmarnock, was sensational. I still think there are parts of his game that he needs to improve. It all depends on what the fee will be; after the loan, there wasn't an agreed-upon fee. If Celtic can get him for anything under $6 million, I'd pay that," he said this week.. 

"That's the Celtic model now, and we know that Brendan likes developing players, and I think he would be an excellent fit."

Being only 23, Idah has plenty of time on his side to get better. Sutton believes Idah can reach his full potential because of the better players in Glasgow.

"Yeah, I think he will develop more; I think there's more to come from Adam. He's got great attributes; we saw it all in its glory on Wednesday night. He's good with his back to goal. He's quick when he gets going. I think his finishing is something he needs to work on, but it's definitely improved as the season went on, and he's playing with better players, which I think brings the best out of him.

"I think if he came here, he'd definitely be an asset, and certainly for European football, he's got all the attributes to play at that level."

It will be interesting to see if Idah does indeed reach his full potential. It would be great not only for Celtic but also for Ireland, depending on whoever the next manager is. Here's hoping.