ADAM Idah can elevate his game to a higher level and increase the Republic of Ireland’s prospects of qualifying for the World Cup in North America in 2026 at the same time if he rejoins Celtic this summer according to one of his legendary countrymen.

The Scottish champions are currently trying to secure the services of the Norwich City striker, who spent the second half of the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Parkhead, on a permanent contract.

Th 6ft 3in 23-year-old netted nine goals, including a last-minute winner against Rangers in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden at the end of May, in the 19 appearances he made for the Glasgow giants last term and became a firm fans’ favourite in the process.

Brendan Rodgers is keen to take Idah – who is eager to put an unhappy spell at Carrow Road behind him and move north of the border on a full-time basis – back to Celtic but an initial offer of £4m was turned down by Norwich earlier this month.

Ray Houghton, the Castlemilk-raised midfielder who won no fewer than 73 caps for Ireland during the 1980s and 1990s and who scored important goals for them at European Championship and World Cup finals during that time, would also like to see the transfer go through.

Read more:

Houghton, who has been working as a co-commentator for RTE Sport at Euro 2024 in Germany during the past four weeks, has been disappointed that his country, who he was eligible to represent through his County Donegal-born father, have been absent from another finals this summer.

The man who netted winners for his adopted homeland against England at Euro ’88 and Italy at USA ’94 feels it is important for them to have as many members of their squad as possible playing their club football at a high level if they are to enjoy success on the international stage.

The former Fulham, Aston Villa, Liverpool and Crystal Palace midfielder appreciates the Premiership in Scotland is not of the same standard as the Premier League in England, Pro-League in Belgium, Ligue 1 in France or Serie A in Italy, where many of the Irish players currently ply their trade. 

(Image: PA) However, he believes that being involved in the revamped Champions League – participating sides will take part in eight games against eight teams after UEFA adopted a Swiss model - in the coming months will be invaluable for Cork-born Idah and will help him to become a far more complete footballer.

“Adam has proved himself to be a direct and physical player with an eye for goal,” he said. “He has made a good career for himself so far and has always done well for the Republic of Ireland when he has played for them as well.

 “Obviously, Ireland are hoping they can get as many of their players playing at as many good clubs in big leagues. That will help them when it comes to qualifying for the finals of major tournaments. The World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States in two years’ time is the next goal.  

“Adam is not going to be playing against better teams and better players every week if he moves back to Celtic permanently. But he will be in the Champions League and that is not an experience that he has had before. There are at least eight games this season, not just six, and the more chances he has got at that level the better.

“Getting the chance to play in the new Champions League league phase against the best teams and defenders in Europe with Celtic this season would be huge for Adam. It would do him the world of good as a person and a player to gain that experience. For him personally, it would be a good challenge.”

Read more:

However, Houghton, who won the League Cup twice, FA Cup twice and Premier League twice during his time as a professional down south, feels there are other reasons that returning to Celtic would be a shrewd move for Idah.

He thinks the pressure of having to win every piece of domestic silverware each season and demands of having to excel in continental competition would be good the 26-times capped forward . 

The Glaswegian also knows that working under a vastly-experienced coach like Rodgers, who won a Premiership and Scottish Cup double in his first season back at Parkhead last term, would add a few more weapons to his armoury and make him an even more clinical predator.

“Adam went up to Celtic on loan last season and did well,” he said. “So he knows the club, he knows what they are about and he knows what they are wanting to do. If players are at a place they are comfortable and happy it helps them to perform to their best.

“He obviously moved from Norwich because he was not getting a chance and there were issues behind the scenes there. When a player is happy in his surroundings then he plays better and I can understand if he is keen to return to Celtic for that reason. 

(Image: Getty) “But you have to be tested, it is not just about being  comfortable. You have to be at a club which is striving to achieve something. Celtic want to win trophies in Scotland and want to reach a certain level in Europe. Every year at Celtic, you have to win the title and you have to win trophies.

“Having that demand on Adam will make sure that he doesn’t get comfortable, that he pushes himself every day and that ultimately he improves. I think it will be good for him to be in that environment every day.

“And it will also be beneficial for him to be working under a manager like Brendan Rodgers. I have met Brendan before, not that often to be honest, but I do know he is a very good coach with a track record of improving players at every club he has been at during his career. He will test Adam, push him on to become a better player.”