Callum McGregor backs Adam Idah as striker scores in Celtic win after tough week

Celtic captain Callum McGregor was happy to see Adam Idah put a lid on a difficult week after the striker netted in a 5-0 Scottish Cup semi-final win over St Johnstone.

Manager Brendan Rodgers defended Idah’s professionalism ahead of the Hampden tie after footage emerged on social media of the Irishman’s midweek night out, which included film of him appearing to be sick in a taxi.

The 24-year-old retained his place in the starting line-up and netted from close range as Celtic hit four goals in 12 minutes before half-time.

McGregor said: “Listen, young boys will be young boys, and that’s fine. No problem with that. He was off the next day. The boys are happy and free to do whatever they want, and that’s fine.

“And as long as he’s producing in training and games, then it’s not really an issue for anyone, to be honest.

“So I’m really happy for him. He gets his goal, he contributes to the team, and obviously that will help him as well, confidence-wise.

“Listen, we know what it’s like. We live a life in the public eye, and everybody’s desperate to get something off you. And that’s just the way the world is these days.

“So we have to try and be smart about it. But, like I said, the thing that we’ll judge him is based on performances in training and games, and he’s done that, and it’s nice just to put a lid on it. That’s it, done now. Everybody just move on, and life moves on as normal.”

McGregor took his goal tally for the season to 10 with the opener and is now looking to add to his hugely impressive trophy count. A point in the final five league games and victory over Aberdeen at Hampden on May 24 would take the 31-year-old on to 25 winners’ medals.

“It’s addictive,” he said. “If you ask any football player, success is addictive. It becomes a habit. And you just keep wanting more and more and more, and that’s what we’re trying to instil in the team, that when we get to these moments, they become normal. You have to win, you have to play well.

“So, as much as we can normalise that and keep being successful, then hopefully that will keep the group in a good place.”