Keith Treacy has backed Adam Idah to dispel misgivings from some elements within the Celtic fanbase and feels the Republic of Ireland striker will benefit from his manager Brendan Rodgers' individual focus in training.
Cork native Idah joined the Glasgow giants on loan from Norwich City on the winter transfer deadline day, but the signing was not universally welcomed by some in the Hoops' support base.
The 23-year-old scored a brace on his full debut away at Hibernian, although both goals came from the penalty spot.
But on Sunday, as a substitute, he took his tally to four goals in four games for the Scottish champions, with both coming from open play to overturn a deficit away at Motherwell and earn a crucial 3-1 win as they look to keep pace with in-form Old Firm derby rivals Rangers in the title race.
Ex-Ireland international Treacy was impressed by the way in which Idah took both of his goals and is hopeful that the centre-forward can use that confidence to push on further for the benefit of club and country.
"His first goal in particular, the header was brilliant, brilliant forward play," he told the RTÉ Soccer Podcast.
"As a winger, when I see goals like that, I think that's a forward I'd love to play with because you just take the ball out of your feet and put it into a decent area and he's in and amongst it.
"So that header was brilliant. His second goal as well because he stays within the width of the goal.
"If you come outside the width of the goal, it's so difficult to hit them balls first time. If he comes outside there, it makes the finish a lot harder so it's like he's thinking about where he is in terms of pitch geography and where he needs to stay."
Treacy pointed to the example of Manchester City and Norway striker Erling Haaland's movement in always looking to occupy a central zone in the box when there is a sniff of an opportunity that a pass or cross will be delivered.
He also highlighted suggestions that Rodgers is working closely with Idah on his game and that the fruits of it will quieten the critics who had not been enthused by his arrival at Parkhead.
"When Idah went to Celtic, I listened to an awful lot of Celtic fans and they're thinking, 'This isn't the signing we wanted'. It sort of felt like the Celtic fans thought that's a bad signing and I thought, 'Well, give him a chance, see how he does first,'" Treacy said.
"Thankfully now he's starting to score goals from open play, he looks decent in hold-up play. If he can get a little bit of confidence in that Celtic team - Brendan Rodgers I'm hearing is putting in an awful lot of work behind the scenes with him, one-on-one sessions which makes him feel loved, 60,000 Celtic fans screaming his name as well - and all of a sudden put it into an Irish jersey.
"We all know Evan Ferguson is going to be the one there. But can we have a two [up front]? Can Adam Idah force his way into that Irish team?
"Possibly. If he can keep playing well for Celtic, there's every chance, if he's starting games and scoring goals
"I'm delighted for him because he's such a good lad with a good work-rate. The mood music coming out of Celtic [supporters] didn't feel right to me straight away. They sort of said he's not right for Celtic straight off the bat and now he's starting to score goals, so I'm delighted for him and long may it continue."
Idah himself said after the game that he believes the high expectations are bringing out the best in him.
"There’s always pressure at Celtic because it’s such a big club and the demands on everyone are huge," he said.
"I think for us players, you need pressure. It can be tough at times but we are all experienced enough to deal with that pressure and keep going.
"I think I thrive off pressure. That’s what excites me. For a lot of players, that’s what you play football for. That pressure gives you that bit of motivation. I know for me, that’s when I play my best.
"The two penalties were great but you do want to score from open play. To do that on Sunday and the way it went was unbelievable for me and my confidence as a striker.
"My job is getting goals so I was delighted. That’s what I’ve come here to try to do. I want to score as many goals as I can and help the team.
"The team is helping me by putting balls in the box and making me the reference point. Overall we are working well with each other."
Listen to the RTÉ Soccer podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
We need your consent to load this rte-player contentWe use rte-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
Watch Republic of Ireland v Wales in an international friendly on Tuesday from 7pm live on the RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app
Watch Derry City v St Patrick's Athletic in the League of Ireland on Friday from 7.35pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app
