Iheanacho elated to help Celtic reach Scottish Cup final

Nigeria forward Kelechi Iheanacho revealed his happiness after helping Celtic to reach the final of the Scottish Cup following victory against St. Mirrennon Sunday.

The Super Eagle came on with seven minutes of the 90 remaining, but it was in extra-time that the former Leicester City player made a massive impact on the match.

He netted twice to help the Hoops beat St Mirren 6-2 and book their place in next month’s final against Dunfermline Athletic. The first was a near post header from a James Forrest cross and then he produced a stunning left-foot finish from inside the area.

‘We’re really happy as a team’

“I can’t really describe how I feel at the moment,” Iheanacho told Celtic TV after the game. “I’m really happy!

“Obviously, there was a little bit of panic in the second half when they got the goals. We’re really happy as a team, we really worked hard in extra-time to get the goals.

“In extra-time, we just had to get after them, press them and get the goals, that was the plan.”

Celtic will now face Dunfermline in the final on May 23, and speaking about the game, he said: “Cup finals are never easy, and I haven’t watched much of Dunfermline.

“But obviously we’ll give it our best to make sure we win the silverware. Collectively, as a team, we’ll really fight to win it.”

Iheanacho has been really good player

Martin O’Neill praised Iheanacho after the game. He said: “It was a tough afternoon, but there were some great goals, Kelechi Iheanacho coming on and doing brilliantly, Luke McCowan scoring as well, so I’m delighted that we won.”

On Iheanacho’s impact, he said: “Everyone in the dressing-room knows that he has been a really good player.

 

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“He’s had a few injuries and he’s been trying to get that fitness, but a properly fit Iheanacho is definitely a handful as he’s proved today.”

Celtic will face another team looking to play the role of giant-killer in the final. Second-tier club Dunfermline Athletic will complete the “David vs. Goliath” duel in the final, with three African players leading the ranks for the Championship side after they chopped down Falkirk FC in a penalty shootout on Saturday. It was the club’s third Premiership scalp in the competition.

The final will be on May 23. Until then, Iheanacho and the Bhoys will focus on their Premiership title chase where they trail surprise leaders Hearts by three points in third place, two points behind eternal Glasgow rivals Rangers.