Idah: 'Competition with Kyogo helps bring the best out of both of us'

Adam Idah says the “friendly competition” between him and Kyogo Furuhashi to be Celtic’s number one forward is helping to bring out the best in both players.

The Ireland international scored twice as the Hoops came from behind twice to eventually beat Falkirk 5-2 and book a place in the League Cup semi-final.

It was the 23-year-old’s first start since sealing his permanent return from Norwich in the summer, and while he feels he could have performed better, he was happy with the final outcome.

Idah came off the bench to score in his Champions League debut in the 5-1 win over Slovan Bratislava midweek, and Kyogo also got on the scoresheet.

And he believes the competition between the pair to be Brendan Rodgers’ starting forward can only be a good thing for the club with both players hungry to score goals every game.

He also says he has learned a lot from Kyogo in training and on the pitch and calls the Japanese ace a “good role model”.

Speaking after the win over Falkirk, he said: “I’ve got a job to do and that’s to score goals, whether I start or I’m on the bench it doesn’t really matter in my head.

“Like I said, I want to score as many goals as possible this season, just like Kyogo, he is an unbelievable player, and I don’t think it matters to him if he starts or if he is on the bench, we both have the same aim and that’s to score goals and help this team.

“I think we have both got off to a pretty good start this season.

“Yeah, definitely (bringing the best out of each other) a bit of friendly competition, it’s the same in training, we are always working hard and there is no bitterness between us.

“We are friendly with each other and he helps me just like I held him and it’s great, he is a good player to look up to and a good role model and I learn a few things from him on the pitch as well.”