Martin O’Neill justifies Kelechi Iheanacho start in Dundee United loss

Celtic head coach Martin O’Neill has defended his choice to start forward Kelechi Iheanacho during Sunday’s 2-0 defeat against Dundee United.

O’Neill maintained that the Nigerian’s recent return from hamstring issues, paired with sharp displays in training, earned him a spot in the XI.

The Hoops boss informed the BBC that Tomas Cvancara missed out through illness, while the player had reached full fitness and caught the coaches’ eyes.

Martin O’Neill on decision to start Kelechi Iheanacho

“Tomas [Cvancara] was sick all week. He practised yesterday but felt unwell, so it was pointless. Regarding Kelechi, he struggled with hamstrings previously.

But physically, he has performed exceptionally well in training lately. We decided to test him out. He might not finish the match, but we had to see.”

The Nigerian attacker signed for Celtic on a free last summer; however, he has been plagued by recurring injury setbacks since moving to the club.