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Norwich City manager David Wagner has revealed that striker Adam Idah has been allowed to sign for Celtic as the deal suits all parties involved.
The 22-year-old striker completed a deadline day loan switch to Parkhead, although there is no option for the Hoops to turn it into a permanent deal next summer. Idah made his debut in yesterday’s 1-1 draw away to Aberdeen, coming off the bench to tee up up fellow Celtic newboy Nicolas Kuhn for the equaliser.
Idah has won 22 caps at senior level for the Republic of Ireland, scoring three times. However Celtic fans were left frustrated by their club’s efforts in the transfer market, with supporters hoping to see a more prolific striker come through the doors at Lennoxtown to provide extra firepower with South Korean star Oh still away on international duty at the Asia Cup. Before signing on with Brendan Rodgers’ side, Cork-born forward Idah had scored 7 times in 35 outings for Norwich this season, with 15 of those appearances coming from the start.
Canaries boss Wagner feels that allowing Idah to play his football elsewhere in the remainder of the campaign will be beneficial for both the player and his parent club but is adamant that the youngster still has a bright future at Carrow Road.
He said: “We have to say that after Adam made it clear that he liked taking out a loan, it is clear to me that when we can find an alternative, there is no point in staying with someone who is desperate for a loan. . . . I absolutely respect the resolution and Adam’s thoughts.
“At the right moment I backed this because our aims and targets are too high and we have to have a group who’s committed 100 percent. The chance popped up quite late to get maybe Sydney (van Hooijdonk) on loan, and then with an option to buy as well, so it was the perfect scenario.
“I got Adam’s point. And this is why I backed this decision. Even if I would have been fine if he wanted to stay and fight for his spot. I want players desperate to be here and to push for our highest target, and for this everyone’s mind has to be right. And now we know which group we have together.
“To be fair, those are not the maximum vital figures. I said let’s have a tight organization that desperately needs to strive every day, work every day, and where everyone can feel like they have a shot at the starting jersey. And let’s ensure competitiveness at the highest level.