SWANS: ‘A big move for him’: Hendrick hails Idah’s form as Swansea’s striker finds his groove

Adam Idah’s form in front of goal has been one of the engines behind Swansea City’s rise to the top of the Championship, and former Republic of Ireland team-mate Jeff Hendrick says the striker is proving the doubters wrong.

Idah has three goals and an assist in eight league games this season, his run of scoring form coinciding with the Swans’ surge to the summit, two points clear going into the international break.

It marks a sharp turnaround for a striker whose first season in south Wales was disrupted by injury. Idah joined from Celtic in a five-year deal worth around £6 million on 1 September 2025, but a hamstring problem early in that campaign checked his start before he finished it strongly.

Hendrick, the 35-year-old Derby County midfielder and a 79-cap Ireland international who played alongside Idah for his country, has watched the revival with satisfaction.

“I’m delighted that Adam Idah is back scoring goals at Swansea,” he said. “He’s a kid I’ve gotten to know really well and stay in touch with, so I’m just happy for him to find that form, because it was a big move for him.

“He didn’t really hit the ground running, and I know he had injuries, but it’s good that he’s getting on the scoresheet and knocking on the door.”

‘It’s about doing it consistently’

Hendrick believes Idah has always had the goals in him, and that the test now is sustaining it.

“For him, it’s about scoring goals and proving that. He’s proved before he can score goals, but it’s just doing it more consistently,” he said. “It’s great to see him scoring in most games he’s played at the start of this season.”

Vitor Matos has said much the same, praising the striker after his goal against Burnley and pointing to a first full pre-season as the difference.

“Last season he got injured straight after I arrived. There was not a lot of time to train. Now he’s had pre-season, he has had time to improve and to understand. He’s impacted the team and I’m really pleased with him,” the head coach said.

Matos has also highlighted what Idah offers beyond the goals, his pressing having created the opener against Burnley. “He offers a lot in terms of pressing,” Matos said. “It’s part of our game and our mindset.”

Pundit Don Goodman, assessing Swansea’s start this month, called it a defining year for the striker: “This is a massive season for his career because he’s in his prime and yet to find consistency. Maybe this is the season he can do it.”

Ireland calling

Idah’s form comes at a useful moment for his country. Heimir Hallgrimsson’s Ireland side begin their Nations League campaign against Kosovo in Pristina on Thursday, their first competitive game since the penalty shoot-out defeat to the Czech Republic in March that cost them a place at the summer’s World Cup.

It is a demanding window, with Kosovo, Israel twice and Austria packed into 12 days, and Hendrick expects Idah to be part of it.

“Adam’s going to be in the squad if he’s fit. He gives you something a little bit different to try,” he said.

“It looks like Ireland have a lot of young players now who have been in and around the set-up for a few years, but they’ve got pace and power.”

Idah has been a fixture for Ireland since his senior debut in 2020, winning more than 40 caps, and Hendrick sees him as vital support for the country’s main striker.

“Troy Parrott is going to be the main man, but it’s not just all about him. We can’t just keep relying on him. We need other players pitching in too,” he said.

Swansea return to Championship action on Saturday 10 October at home to Norwich City, the club where Idah came through the ranks before his move on, giving the striker a reunion to look forward to.

Jeff Hendrick was speaking to Andy’s Bet Club. Please gamble responsibly. When the fun stops, stop. 18+, begambleaware.org.

Author

Richard Bond

Swansea-based sports journalist.
Twitter: @RichBond00
Email: RichardBond@swanseabaynews.com