Michael McGovern has spoken to Idah and believes Celtic can offer something suitors with deeper pockets can’t.
Michael McGovern already knew the big difference between Celtic and Norwich City. And the 30,000 Hoops fans who turned up in the rain for a legends game at Parkhead last week only reaffirmed it.
The Northern Ireland keeper believes that kind of adulation could prove to be a key factor in where Adam Idah’s future lies. McGovern spent five years at Carrow Road with the striker, who joined the Hoops on loan in January. Idah had a major impact for Brendan Rodgers’ side as they secured a Premiership and Scottish Cup Double. But now the 23-year-old is in a state of limbo.
With a long contract at Norwich he has returned to Norfolk where he’ll meet new Canaries manager Johannes Hoff Thorup. In Glasgow, Rodgers has already urged the Celtic board to sign him on a permanent deal. McGovern reckons Idah has put himself in a great position, especially after bagging a Scottish Cup Final winner against Rangers.
McGovern told MailSport : “Norwich are a brilliant club but in terms of size and worldwide fanbase? Celtic are an institution. Everyone knows that. But the finances are different. Norwich could potentially offer Adam more wages because they compete at Premier League level on a regular basis.
“There could also be other clubs in for him who can do likewise. But in terms of stature, of course Celtic are huge. That’s a great draw for players, Adam included.
“I experienced that again last week in the charity game. Most players won’t realise how big the Old Firm are until they actually experience it. You need to see it first hand.
“Having spoken to Adam, the daily interaction he’s had with fans in Glasgow is nothing like what he was used to in Norwich. The people are just different. Norwich people are reserved and keep themselves to themselves.
“In Glasgow they’re more open and more likely to come up and approach you. It’s a different culture. So that has been a big change for Adam.
“And I know that he has loved it up here because I’ve spoken to him regularly. I’m sure there’s a big part of him that wants to come back to Celtic next term.
“There are so many factors. The two clubs have to agree a fee then there are wages to sort out. It’s complicated. But I know he loved playing for the football club so Celtic have a great starting point.”
Idah scored nine goals in his loan spell with Rodgers’ side and almost all of them felt crucial. He scored the opener as Celtic clinched the title at Rugby Park against Kilmarnock, And his last-gasp strike at Hampden has already carved his name into the club’s folklore.
But McGovern wasn’t surprised that the Irishman made his mark at Parkhead. He said: “Adam has done what I expected him to do at Celtic and what I hoped he’d do.
“He has scored some big goals and I knew he was capable of that. Adam can finish. His movement is so good and it has been a brilliant loan move for him.
“I’ve always said that he has so much potential. He’s really well thought of at Norwich and I got to see first-hand just how good he is down there.
“Since coming to Celtic he has stayed fit and got off to a great start against Hibs when he scored two penalties. Once Adam gets confidence and belief, you’ve really got a player on your hands.
“If Adam does sign for Celtic I can see him kicking on again from what he has already done. He has the potential to go to another level and score loads of goals in Scotland.
“He has competition there with Kyogo Furuhashi – but they are different types of strikers. Celtic would be buying massive potential. He has already scored goals but could get a lot more.
“If you do that for Celtic you’re remembered forever. He has already had some huge moments. Scoring the winning goal in the Scottish Cup Final against Rangers? That’s the stuff of dreams so it has been amazing for him so far.
“He has put himself in a great position. The Champions League will be a big draw for Adam as well. Celtic are a wonderful club and if he’s got the opportunity to sign for them permanently I’m sure it will be of big interest to him.”
Despite that, McGovern does feel for his ex-team-mate in one sense. He could be pulled in all different directions over the next few months with his future up in the air.
And the former Hamilton Accies and Hearts goalie knows that can be a difficult period for any player. He said: “It can be stressful when this type of scenario happens. Until someone accepts a bid you can’t do anything. You’re not in control.
“Adam just has to wait to see how negotiations go. And after what he has done at Celtic there will be interest from other clubs. Norwich have a new manager and he might want Adam to come back and be his main striker in the new campaign.
“So potentially he could have lots of options. There’s a lot on the table right now and he might be a bit stressed in terms of what decisions he’ll have to make.
“It’s an uncertain time for him. Being a professional footballer is the best job in the world – but this side to it is unsettling. You can’t plan anything. Even if Adam’s renting a house right now, he doesn’t know if he can extend that or look to buy up here.
“It’s tough not knowing where you will be.”
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