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| Celtic captain Callum McGregor and manager Brendan Rodgers with the trophy after the Scottish Gas Mens Scottish Cup Final between Celtic and Rangers at Hampden Park on May 25, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland. |
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers wants to strike a deal with Norwich City to sign Adam Idah on a permanent basis this summer.
The Norwich City striker was the hero at Hampden Park as he netted a late winner against Rangers to claim Celtic's 42nd Scottish Cup on Saturday.
Idah pounced from six yards when Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland parried Paulo Bernardo's fierce drive to send the green and white half of Hampden into raptures.
It ends Idah's successful spell with the Scottish champions, during which he netted eight times in 18 appearances.
Rodgers has made little secret of his desire to sign Idah permanently this summer, and reports north of the border have suggested it will take a fee of around £6million to tempt Norwich into a sale.
“For me, he was the catalyst of our season because we needed a different dimension up front," the Celtic boss told the Daily Record.
“The big guy comes in, he has so much potential and played in some really important games. What I love about Adam is he is a big game player. He loves the big games and occasions.
“Hopefully we can do something. He has a long-term contract at Norwich but he is definitely one I would love to bring back here. At 23 with the potential and quality he has I think he can really push on in his career.”
Idah has looked like a player transformed since moving to Celtic Park, contributing goals but also impressive performances.
Rodgers hailed his impact since moving to Celtic and expressed his pride as his improvement since joining the club in January.
“Adam probably got lost a little bit for a few years but coming to here, he’s thrived on the pressure of being at a big club," Rodgers said.
“He was clear on his role when he came in and how I would use him. Adam had to get a feel for us but I told him he had to be ready to make an impact, either starting games or coming on.
“His confidence has never wavered, he’s been a brilliant team player for us.
The Pink Un: Brendan Rodgers has hailed Idah's impact at Celtic.
“He’s such a good guy, the players love him. And he’s a big-game player. In so many big moments, he’s stepped up to the plate for us.
“I’m so happy for him – a boy from Ireland, a striker scoring the winning goal in the Scottish Cup final against Rangers. Wow. What a summer he’ll have.
“My talks with Adam will remain private because there’s a lot of work to do. But he knows my feelings and so does the club so we’ll see what happens.”
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