Celtic shows the champions spirit, as Idah reminds us why we paid the big bucks.

A lot of people watch football and think there are strikers out there who are simply born lucky. Even the ones who don’t seem to have any remarkable talent – and we’ve certainly seen our share of those, especially across the city – somehow find ways to score goals.

I’m thinking of players like Dessers and Kris Boyd. Despite all their flaws and shortcomings, they managed to put the ball in the net with remarkable consistency. It’s the kind of knack that separates them from the others, no matter what else they lack.

There’s something fascinating about it when you think about it.

For all their flaws, they still seem to produce results, making them interesting to watch. The key question, though, is whether they can deliver when it really matters, under the bright lights and the big pressure. And it’s here that we’re so fortunate at Celtic because we have a striker who does exactly that, repeatedly, and in big games, wearing a Celtic shirt.

Of course, there are some folks who still wonder whether Adam Idah really fits into this team, whether he’s truly worth the £9 million investment.

To that, I say: stop wondering and start enjoying the show.

Because Idah has something truly special. He’s got that sense of timing, that almost sixth sense of making his run at the right moment and, when it counts, putting the ball away. And here’s the difference between him and the likes of Boyd and Dessers – Idah brings a lot more to the table. Yes, he has that same knack for finding gaps that defenders leave, but he’s not just a poacher. He has the versatility, the intelligence, and the adaptability that make him far more valuable to this team than some of his “lucky” counterparts. Frankly, it’s shocking to think Norwich City couldn’t unlock his full potential or find a way to use a player of his calibre effectively.

Take that goal he scored today. It was the kind of strike you expect from a classic six-yard box predator, and it was a joy to watch. These are the types of players we’ve always cherished at Celtic – the ones who instinctively find themselves in the right place to make an impact. And if you’re not already in awe of Idah, just wait; you will be soon enough.

Today’s performance was great at certain points.

There was little evidence of that post-Europe lethargy, which is always a risk, but instead a determined, high-energy display from the boys. Luke McCowan got his start, something everyone was eager to see, and he absolutely lived up to the hype. I thought he was excellent, showing real poise and adaptability on the pitch. His goal was great. And seeing Callum McGregor rested was, in its own way, another positive. Whether it’s due to a minor knock or simply to keep him fresh, giving him a break now and then does no harm whatsoever. I would hope that our gaffer considers leaving him out on Wednesday as well, just as a precaution.

Another highlight was Cameron Carter-Vickers making his way back onto the pitch. Knowing he’ll be fully fit for upcoming games is fantastic news, especially with crucial matches like the semi-final next weekend on the horizon.

It was also brilliant to see Alistair Johnston captaining the side and bagging a goal of his own. I can’t help but appreciate how often AJ gets booked – it’s the sign of a player fully committed to the battle, ready to get stuck in. He reminds me of Scott Brown in that way. Brown’s thing was to get an early yellow and we’d all watch with bated breath, hoping he wouldn’t do something rash. But he rarely did. Brown played with discipline, just like AJ does. He’s the kind of warrior every team needs, and you can never have too many of those.

But the moment that stood out above all was Idah’s goal.

His awareness of the space, his timing, his anticipation of the cross – it was sublime, the mark of a real artist in the penalty box. Here’s a player who’s had his critics, even from our own John Hartson, but he keeps doing his job and does it well.

What Idah brings to Celtic is a rare combination of skills.

Yes, he’s a hard worker and he creates opportunities for his teammates. Yes, he’s got that special knack for finishing close-range chances. But his ability to be dangerous from anywhere in the box? That’s something you don’t see every day. In terms of his scoring potential for Celtic, I think he’s just beginning – he’s only going to improve from here.

Today’s display was a solid one from the squad, especially considering the slightly shaky start. Once we settled in, though, we took control and held onto it firmly.

That third goal was, for me, the high point of the match because it showcased exactly what Idah offers. It reminded me of what I used to say about Giakoumakis – there were certain goals that only he would find himself on the end of.

Losing him without an immediate replacement was, in hindsight, a mistake. Oh, who came in after him, was a decent enough prospect and might have developed into a strong centre forward, but he wasn’t the kind of predator you need in the six-yard box.

Well, we’ve filled that gap now with Idah, and it’s such a pleasure watching him in action. These are the players who win you titles – the ones who score crucial goals in important matches. And that’s where Idah really stands out from the likes of Boyd and Dessers. He performs when it matters, consistently, under real pressure and we weren’t under that pressure today like we were last season at Fir Park, but who was the man that afternoon? Adam Idah. His natural talent is a massive asset to our squad, and I can’t wait to see what he accomplishes next.

Now, we turn our focus to Wednesday and the home game ahead. If we secure the win there, then whatever happens at Pittodrie works in our favour. Of course, like most Celtic fans, I’d love to see Aberdeen hammer the life out of the Ibrox club, but in truth, any result will suit us just fine as long as we handle our own business.

Today, we did exactly that. So, congratulations to the players and to our manager for shaking off any cobwebs and getting back down to business. A solid, thoroughly enjoyable performance.