Scales backs Idah to fill Kyogo void

Liam Scales is backing fellow Republic of Ireland international Adam Idah "kick on and keep scoring" after ending his barren spell against Aston Villa.

The Celtic striker hadn't scored since the end of November but netted a clever first-half double in the final Champions League league phase game at Villa Park.

And Scales insists that's all the 23-year-old needed and will continue to show he "is the man to lead" Brendan Rodgers's side in the wake of Kyogo's exit.

"I'm delighted for Adam because all he needed was to hit the back of the net," Scales said after the 4-2 defeat in Birmingham.

"He's doing everything else right. He's still working hard and holding the ball up for us and linking play, it was just about him hitting the back of the net and he's done that now, so I think he'll kick on and keep scoring for us.

"They were good finishes. The first one especially, the instinctiveness, it's a brilliant finish."

The sort of finish the Japan international produced during his time at the club before he departed for Rennes. Scales is adamant though that Idah can fill the void of the iconic Kyogo.

"Without a doubt," he added. "Adam's top class.

"He's been brilliant since coming in. He's obviously gone through a little bit of a spell where he's scored many goals, but that happens to all world-class strikers. It happens to everyone, so I think he's the man to lead us."