Craig Burley names the ONE Celtic player he believes is actually ‘overrated’

Craig Burley Names the ONE Celtic Player He Believes is Actually ‘Overrated’

Former Chelsea and Celtic midfielder Craig Burley has never shied away from expressing strong opinions about players, clubs, and performances. Now working as a prominent pundit, Burley has developed a reputation for his frank analysis, and his latest remarks have stirred debate among Celtic supporters. In a recent appearance on a football podcast, Burley singled out a current Celtic player whom he believes has been the subject of “excessive praise” and whose performances have not lived up to the growing hype.

The former Scotland international began by praising Celtic’s overall campaign under Brendan Rodgers, noting the team’s resilience in the Scottish Premiership title race and their progression in domestic cup competitions. He acknowledged that several players had stepped up at crucial moments during the season, but also cautioned that not every member of the squad deserved the acclaim they were receiving from pundits and fans alike.

It was in this context that Burley brought up Adam Idah — the on-loan striker from Norwich City — as the player he feels is currently overrated. While Burley did not deny that Idah had made important contributions, he questioned the level of praise being directed at the Irish international, calling it “disproportionate to his actual impact.”

“Look, he’s got potential, sure. He’s had a few important goals and moments since arriving at Celtic,” Burley said. “But I think there’s a tendency to overstate what he’s actually done. People are talking about him like he’s the next great Celtic striker, and I just don’t see it based on the evidence so far.”

Idah joined Celtic on loan during the January transfer window and quickly made headlines with some timely goals, particularly in tight matches where Celtic were struggling to break down opponents. His physical presence and willingness to take on defenders have certainly added a new dimension to Celtic’s attack, and fans were quick to embrace his style. However, Burley pointed out that beyond a handful of key moments, Idah’s overall consistency and technical quality have not been at the level required to justify the mounting hype.

“What bothers me is the lack of critical evaluation. If you take away a couple of goals — admittedly important ones — you’re left with a striker who hasn’t consistently influenced games,” Burley continued. “His movement off the ball isn’t always sharp, his link-up play is erratic, and he’s not yet the kind of forward who can dictate a game on his own terms.”

The comments have sparked divided reactions among fans and pundits. Some Celtic supporters agree that Idah is still a work in progress and believe Burley’s critique is a fair reminder not to overhype a player too soon. Others argue that the striker deserves more credit for stepping up under pressure and providing crucial goals at a time when the team needed them most.

It’s worth noting that Adam Idah has also been praised by Brendan Rodgers and members of the Celtic coaching staff, who have spoken positively about his adaptation to the team and the unique qualities he brings. The 23-year-old has expressed interest in making his stay at Parkhead permanent, suggesting he sees Celtic as a place where he can grow and develop further.

Burley, however, remains unconvinced — at least for now. “There’s nothing wrong with liking a player, but we have to separate moments from overall quality. He might become a top striker one day, but at this point, I think we’re jumping the gun.”

As Celtic continue their campaign and Adam Idah seeks to solidify his position in the squad, the spotlight will only intensify. Whether he proves Burley wrong or validates the criticism will depend on how he performs in the decisive weeks to come. Either way, the debate about his true value to the team is now firmly in the public domain.