John Hartson urges Celtic to spend £5million on striker transfer as board told: 'Back Brendan Rodgers'

John Hartson has urged Celtic to spend £5million to make Adam Idah's move permanent this summer.

The Irishman, 23, has hit seven goals in 14 appearances for the club since arriving in the January transfer window on loan from Norwich City. He has scored some massive goals for Brendan Rodgers' side and Hartson feels he has proven himself to be Parkhead quality and a good enough foil for Kyogo when the Hoops are in need of a different dynamic up top.

The former Celt - speaking at his annual Golf Day at Turnberry for his Foundation - believes Idah would represent an affordable option for the champions even though the Canaries' asking price will have increased due to how successful he's been in front of goal.

"Strikers are hard to find," the Welshman said. "The fee to get him now will have shot up because he’s been a success at the club.

“He’s scored big, important goals for Celtic this season. When he first came in you got the feeling some of the fans were a bit underwhelmed. They looked at him playing for Norwich, maybe not getting a game every week, and it was a loan signing.

“But he has done well. He’s big and powerful, he can run in behind and he knows how to finish.

“If Celtic can get him for around the £4m-£5m mark, it would be a great bit of business. He could be a great signing. It can be a gamble with new signings, but Celtic will know what they are going to get.

“They know he can make an impact in games, they know he can score big goals and handle the pressure. It’s a decision for Brendan Rodgers but I have been impressed with him.”