Chris Sutton fears Adam Idah is no better than Celtic's current back-up striking options and hopes the Norwich man knows what he's letting himself in for.
A loan deal with an option to buy is in the process of being finalised, which will see the Irishman join the Premiership champions at least until the end of the current campaign. Brendan Rodgers has been on the hunt for a striker this window, but Sutton is sceptical that Idah is of the level required and predicts a difficult transition from East Anglia to Glasgow for the 22-year-old.
Writing in his column in the Pinkun, Sutton said: "If they can get a deal sorted, all parties should shake hands, wish each other well and move on. Celtic is going to be a very difficult and different experience for him, if that gets finalised. You have to robust mentally to cope with life in Glasgow.
"My fear is that Idah will struggle to displace Celtic’s other strikers and isn’t any better than Oh Hyeon-gyu. He is a development player and I’m not sure that is what Celtic need either right now. I really hope he knows what he is getting himself into…"
As for Idah's time at Carrow Road, Sutton feels a natural break point has arrived, with Idah not hitting the heights expected in yellow and green. And Sutton can't shake the feeling that there's always been more to come from the striker, but he just hasn't delivered.
He added:"Idah has had long enough to prove himself, especially at Championship level, and I think the team would have wanted more from him. Sadly, it feels like we've reached the end of the road.
"If they get a replacement, then I believe it is a move that is best for all parties. He has had enough opportunities to prove himself at Norwich, and it hasn't quite happened.
"Maybe he needs a fresh start and challenge. We can talk about his development, but he has had opportunities - it's a ruthless game, and he has failed to grab them with both hands when they have been offered.
"I've done so many columns on Idah over the years. He has so much going for him; he's strong, quick and has a great physical profile, but it always feels like he could give more. He doesn't throw his weight around enough.
"He is a confidence player and he is lacking that. He's just been a bit hesitant on the pitch. If they get an adequate replacement. I'm not sure many Norwich City fans would struggle to disagree with the decision to let him go.
"Both parties will likely feel dissatisfied with how it has gone, but there does come a time when he's had enough opportunities, and he's not made it happen for himself. Now Josh Sargent is back, he is going to be Norwich's number one striker.
"The fact he can't oust an ageing Ashley Barnes must be a major disappointment to him. But he isn't getting ahead of him for a reason and that's because he hasn't kicked on in the way everyone hoped.
"As for the fee, that is always going to be debated because of the inflated market, but that does feel on the light side, given he's 11 months into a five-year contract and his age."
