The Celtic reasons to be excited for Champions League as Adam Idah swerves transfer panic

Adam Idah usually gets a few folk round to his house when Celtic’s Champions League games are on TV. But this season, the big striker will have 60,000 people for company.

The Hoops’ £8.5million man used to lap up the atmosphere from his living room when his boyhood club had glamour ties in Europe. Now, he’ll be part of the action himself as he gets to sample the Champions League for the first time in his career. Idah can’t wait for the group stage draw on Thursday when Brendan Rodgers’ side will discover their opponents in the tournament’s new format.

The 23-year-old has previously sat in awe with family and friends as the Parkhead atmosphere blared through the TV screen. And that’s why he’s so excited about feeling it up close and personal this term. As the Irishman looked ahead to the draw, he said: “Everyone here is so excited to play in the Champions League. Especially me, because it will be a whole new experience. It has always been a dream to play in the Champions League so to have this chance now is unbelievable.

“Everyone speaks about the atmosphere you get at Celtic Park on those big European nights. I’ve watched them with family and friends of mine since I was very young.

“I’m probably too young to really appreciate the famous win over Barcelona (in 2012) But there are more recent ones that have stuck in my memory – like the 2-2 draw with Atletico Madrid just a year ago. That was a good one.

“Or the visit of Real Madrid here the year before. That was a huge occasion too. That was one of those games where you get together with family and friends to watch and enjoy it.

“There was a big group of us together for that one. But to experience them as a player from the inside now will be a whole new thing.

“I’m dying