‘He needed to go for a new challenge’ – Norwich boss praises Adam Idah as Celtic close in on title
Adam Idah has enjoyed a strong loan spell at Celtic.
Norwich City boss David Wagner says his decision to allow Ireland striker Adam Idah move to Celtic on loan in the January window has given the Cork native’s career the kick-start it needed.
The Canaries face into the second leg of their promotion playoff away to Leeds United after a 0-0 draw in the first leg at Carrow Road, while this week Idah hopes to be celebrating a league title success with Celtic ahead of a Cup final against Rangers next week.
A draw against Kilmarnock tonight will secure the title for Brendan Rodgers’ side with a game to spare.
Today's Sport News in 90 Seconds - 15th May
With some of the Norwich strikers carrying injuries into their playoff clash, some fans have wondered why one of their own forwards is on loan to another club but Wagner is adamant that the loan move – which could become permanent if Celtic meet Norwich’s £5m valuation of Idah – made sense for all parties.
"Every manager likes to have good players, and Adam is a very good player. On him, the decision that we made in the winter window to send him out on loan paid off perfectly,” Wagner told the East Anglia Daily Times.
“I was really backing him when he knocked on my door because I thought this was exactly what he needed to go out of this building and this environment where he knows everybody and everybody knows him and to go for a new challenge.
"He has a talent, but sometimes you need this boost, which you only get when you leave a club and go into another environment. The only thing that has got better after Adam left here is the music in the dressing room, because he is no longer in charge of the music box. I really wish him all the best for the final at Celtic to finish on a high.”
Idah had a frustrating spell with injury and limited game time before the loan was sanctioned.
“I worked with him for a year and we had the conversations more than once – I think the idea grew over the last couple of months [before January] and I absolutely have seen where he comes from,” Wagner added.
"I had the same thoughts in my head before as well. Then he and we found a very good loan – big credit to Brendan and Celtic for how they've used him. He's made a big impact and hopefully he can help them reach their target."
