CELTIC goal hero Chris Sutton has labelled Kelechi Iheanacho as “downright lazy” after his lacklustre performance in the champions’ dismal 2-0 loss to Dundee United at Tannadice.
The former Manchester City and Leicester City striker was a surprise inclusion for Martin O’Neill in a must-win encounter to keep alive hopes of a fifth successive title win.
However, the Nigerian international frontman, signed as a free agent after being released by Sevilla in September, struggled to make an impact in his first starting appearance in the line-up since limping off in the 3-1 Premier Sports League Cup Final against St Mirren in mid-December.
Iheanacho had one shot at goal as he toiled before being hooked just before the hour mark for Sebastian Tounekti.
ON THE RUN…Kelechi Iheanacho in action in the Premier Sports League Cup Final against St Mirren before being withdrawn.
Clearly unimpressed, Sutton said: “Kelechi Iheanacho starting was a shock to me.
“His last start was the Cup Final. And then he had the cameos against Stuttgart.
“It just shows you what a mess, what a muddle Celtic are in.
“I still think he’s miles off it. I think he does some good things in terms of his link-up which is okay at times. But I think there were times in the first-half where he was just downright lazy.”
The one-time England international forward, speaking on the Daily Record Podcast, added: “He didn’t work hard enough when balls were being played forward to actually get in a position where he could even be challenging for a ball and a knock down.
“I think maybe fatigue had something to do with that. But it’s been the story of Celtic season in the final third.”
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