KELECHI IHEANACHO last scored a goal almost SIX months ago.
Celtic’s UEFA deadline signing as a free agent from Sevilla spent the second half on loan at Championship side Middlesbrough.
Ironically, the Hoops were linked with the 28-year-old Nigerian international striker, but he opted on a return to England in Boro’s bid to return to the Premier League.
However, Iheanacho netted just one goal in 15 appearances for the club as they failed in their promotion quest and manager Michael Carrick paid for the failure when he was sacked after two and a half years in charge at the Riverside outfit.
The frontman’s solitary strike came in the 2-1 win over Oxford United on March 29 – and it’s been blanks ever since for the player who cost Leicester City £20million when they signed him from Manchester City in August 2017.
WELCOME TO CELTIC…Brendan Rodgers is clearly happy to see Kelechi Iheanacho.
GIVE US A HUG…Rodgers and Iheanacho embrace at Lennoxtown.
SMILES BETTER…Iheanacho is delighted to meet up with his ex-Leicester City boss. Images courtesy Celtic TV.
Brendan Rodgers caught up with him at the King Power Stadium after his sudden departure from Parkhead in February 2019 and they are now reunited at the champions after the forward signed a one-year deal with the club holding a further 12-month option.
The Irishman had a warm welcome for his former player at Lennoxtown yesterday, but it’s clear there will be no old pal’s act.
Iheanacho netted three goals in 11 games for the La Liga club, but didn’t convince in Spain which led to his temporary transfer to Boro.
The misfiring marksman is standing by to kick off his season-long trial against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Sunday when the Premiership restarts after the international break.
He last started a game in May, so it is highly unlikely he will in the starting formation in Ayrshire, but, depending on how the game takes shape, there could be a first appearance for Iheanacho after his surprise arrival in the east end of Glasgow.
The hard work begins now.
