Iheanacho: Celtic coach reveals another role for striker

Celtic head coach Martin O’Neill has sung the praise of Nigeria forward Kelechi Iheanacho saying he has always been supportive whether he plays or he is out of action.

Iheanacho recently came off the bench to score an 82nd-minute winner for Celtic in a 2-1 victory against Dundee FC at Dens Park on Sunday.

The Nigeria international’s goal marked a vital return to form after an injury-plagued season, keeping the Hoops firmly in contention for the silverware.

Iheanacho has been supportive

“The goal that he scored for us; I think that probably if it was going to fall to anybody in the penalty box. He is the one that we are delighted that it did,” O’Neill told Celtic website.

“He has had a few injuries but he has come through those and he wants to do the work. He is very supportive of the forwards who are playing maybe in his place.

“Genuinely really supportive both when he is in the squad, if he is not on the field, he is very vocal behind me. He has been supportive. He has had the injuries but if he could stay fit it would be great news.”

Iheanacho joined Celtic last summer

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.

He will hope to be involved when Celtic takes on St. Mirren in a Scottish Premiership fixture on Saturday.

The Hoops go in to the match on the back of a 2-1 victory over Dundee at Dens Park, and another victory on Saturday would see O’Neill’s men go in to the Premiership split in a healthy position.

Saturday’s game against St Mirren is also the first of a double-header against the Paisley side, with the two sides due to meet again in next week’s Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden.