What Shane Duffy said about Celtic target Adam Idah after training with him earlier this season

The Celtic supporters aren’t persuaded that Idah isn’t exactly the kind of player the Hoops coach wants to steer clear of, despite Brendan Rodgers’ repeated statements emphasizing the need to add quality players to the roster rather than project players. But if you listen to Shane Duffy, a former Celtics defender, it sounds like Rodgers might have found a hidden treasure in Idah.

Duffy trained and played alongside Idah for the Republic of Ireland back in September 2023 and after watching the 22-year-old striker give Liverpool defender, Virgil van Dijk a tough game in the 2-1 defeat to the Dutch, Duffy was convinced that Idah has what it takes to be a top player.

“Adam just needs to believe in himself,” Duffy said [BBC]. He only has to have that belief. He possesses strength, power, and speed.He’s working extremely hard, and the guys say they’ve noticed a significant change in him this season. I can see it every day.

It all comes down to belief. “You saw him against Netherlands, against Virgil van Dijk – that’s one of the best defenders in the world.”Idah gave Ireland a 1-0 lead with a penalty kick during their 2-1 loss against the Netherlands.

However, when you look closely at what Duffy says, there are words in there that scream project player. ‘Belief’, ‘working hard’ and ‘belief’ again are not words that suggest Idah is the finished article. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Quality players do not need to have belief. They know that they are good and believe in themselves. If Idah is coming to Celtic low on confidence then he is in for a tough time.

The team’s supporters, the Celtics, insist on a weekly victory. They also insist on scoring goals in every game for their strikers. Idah won’t be accustomed to that kind of pressure, and a striker lacking confidence doesn’t need it. There’s a silver lining to this, at least. He is skilled at scoring penalties.

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