Brendan Rodgers uses one word to describe Adam Idah's performance after Celtic beat St Mirren

There has been a lot of noise around Adam Idah heading into the new season.

Despite Celtic signing two new strikers during the 2025 summer transfer window – Callum Osmand and Shin Yamada – as well as Johnny Kenny to pick from, it was Idah who started against St Mirren on Flag Day.

Brendan Rodgers’ side left it late, but Celtic beat St Mirren 1-0, with substitute Luke McCowan scoring a deflected effort three minutes from time.

It was proving to be a frustrating afternoon for the champions of Scotland, including Idah smacking the post after taking a lovely touch when being put through on goal.

But the £9 million signing from Norwich City didn’t get his goal, and you just sense that it’s going to be a talking point.

Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images

Brendan Rodgers reacts to Celtic beating St Mirren and praises Adam Idah

With just over ten minutes left on the clock, Rodgers made three changes, including replacing Kenny with Idah and goalscorer McCowan entering the fray.

Whilst the Republic of Ireland international continues to divide opinion and get stick from his supporters, the man in charge is liking what he is seeing.

Speaking to Sky Sports after Celtic’s opening day win, Rodgers labelled Idah’s performance as ‘excellent’ when analysing the game.

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“I thought we played ever so well,” said Rodgers. “The goalkeeper has made so many great saves. But the guys kept pushing.

“Some of our football was outstanding to create those moments against a team that everyone knows is so well drilled and so well organised, but I have to congratulate my players because of the persistence that they showed throughout the game. Keep driving forward.

“The impact of the guys coming into the game was excellent. It was a really, really important win, but I think we played ever so well. It’s the story of this club. We keep going right till the very end.

“The guys who started. I thought Adam (Idah) was excellent. The two eights (Hatate and Nygren) very, very good.

“But you are trying to give a fresh energy (with the subs), like I said, at this period of the season where new legs and fresh legs can give you that extra burst.”

How Idah rated after first Celtic start of 2025/26 season

The issue with Idah last season, from the player’s perspective, is that he wasn’t playing 90 minutes on a regular basis.

That proved to be the case once again because the 24-year-old didn’t last the entire game, and he was rated well below seven by WhoScored.

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