Iheanacho: Celtic boss acknowledges fan clamour

Interim Celtic head coach Martin O’Neill has commented on the clamour from fans for forward Kelechi Iheanacho to start Sunday’s Scottish Premiership clash against Falkirk.

​Iheanacho has struggled for regular playing time since arriving at Celtic Park on a free transfer last summer, largely due to recurring concerns regarding the Nigeria international’s fitness.

However, the 29-year-old bagged a brace in Celtic’s Scottish Cup semi-final victory over St Mirren last weekend. That impressive performance has left many supporters eager to see him in the starting lineup against Falkirk.

​O’Neill on Iheanacho

​Speaking to the press regarding the growing calls for Iheanacho to start, the interim Celtic boss acknowledged the impact the Nigerian has made on the team in recent weeks.

“It’s actually become more significant as the weeks have gone by.

He came on at Dundee, scored the goal probably at that stage in the proceedings, probably the only one that would have got us the goal at the time.

He’s followed that up there by scoring some goals, took them brilliantly.

 

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And, yes, I think he would like to start in the game. Daizen Maeda started this press from centre-forward position, got us the goal early on.”

He went further to address concerns about the forward’s stamina as he assured that Iheanacho would love to play more minutes for the club

“And, yeah, there’s definitely a case for thinking about Iheanacho starting in matches. I think he would love to do it.

Not having completed it in 90 minutes for quite some considerable time, as I thought. But he also started as well up at Dundee United.

I don’t think it was his fault. He had a great chance. The goalkeeper made a really good save after half an hour in the game.

“But, I’m not saying it didn’t work for the team as such. But, overall, he has made a big impact in the last couple of weeks. And it looks as if he’s staying fit.

Honestly, I’ve been really pleased with him. “