Adam Idah, who scored two goals against Motherwell, believes that the pressure of representing Celtic is making him perform at his best.
With the home team well ahead of Celtic at the interval and the latter seriously in danger of losing ground to Rangers in the Premiership title race, the Irishman came off the bench at Fir Park on Sunday.
The on-loan Norwich striker came to Celtic’s rescue with a well-taken double before Luis Palma grabbed another stoppage-time goal to earn a 3-1 win and cut the gap back to two points.
Idah said: “Look, there’s always going to be pressure going into any game. There’s always pressure at Celtic because it’s such a big club and the demands on everyone are huge.
“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.”
Just like against Hibernian earlier this month, Idah’s second goal came four minutes into stoppage-time.
“I’m aware of Celtic and late goals,” the 23-year-old said. “We actually watched the clips before the game of Matty O’Riley scoring at Motherwell in the 96th minute.
“But it’s just that attitude of never giving up. I could see it as soon as I came in. Everyone is so hard-working in training, so professional.
“You see it in the games. They never give up, everyone is willing to put in that extra per cent to get results. You saw that on Sunday and it turned out well.”
Idah netted two penalties at Easter Road and he was delighted to double his Celtic tally at Fir Park without the aid of spot-kicks.
“It’s obviously very pleasing,” the Republic of Ireland international said. “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.
