KELECHI IHEANACHO has already become a cult hero with the Celtic fans – despite just four first-team starts in 14 appearances.
The 29-year-old striker may not have stacked up the minutes after signing as a free agent in September, but his goals have been absolutely crucial for the champions as they soar to within 90 minutes of a fifth title on the trot.
Iheanacho, who was released by Sevilla after earlier spells at Manchester City and Leicester City, claimed the matchwinner on his Hoops debut when the thumped in a stoppage-time penalty-kick in a 2-1 success over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on September 14.
GLORY BHOY…Kelechi Iheanacho races away after scoring his penalty-kick stoppage-time winner against Motherwell at Fir Park with a joyous Anthony Ralston in hot pursuit.
The Nigerian hitman repeated the feat with his nonchalant spot-kick, once again deep in added-on time, in the dramatic 3-2 midweek victory over Motherwell at Fir Park.
In between, there have been points-clinchers against Dundee at Dens Park, 2-1 on April 5, and Hibs at Easter Road, 2-1 earlier this month.
Iheanacho was also on target with the opening goal in the 3-2 triumph over Jens Berthel Askou’s Well on October 5, ironically his solitary strike at Parkhead.
He netted in the 1-1 Europa League draw against Red Star in Belgrade on September 24 and chipped in with an extra-time double in the landslide 6-2 Scottish Cup semi-final success over St Mirren at Hampden last month.
Amazingly, Iheanacho’s eight-goal haul at the Hoops is DOUBLE his tally for his two previous clubs.
He collected only three strikes at Sevilla in 11 games after joining the La Liga club from Leicester City in July 2024. He joined Birmingham City on loan in January 2025 and netted once in 15 appearances.
HEAVEN’S ABOVE…Kelechi Iheanacho celebrates his debut winner against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park in September.
It’s now high time he made up for lost time in the scoring stakes at the home of the champions.
There are seven months between his goal against Motherwell at Parkhead and now.
Despite having to contend with a persistent hamstring problem, the frontman’s timing at the champions has been just about perfect.
This afternoon against Hearts would be a good time to get on the scoresheet again in Paradise.
After all, Iheanacho and Celtic appear to be a match made in heaven.
*DON’T miss the unbeatable match report and best in action images from Celtic v Hearts this afternoon – only in your champion CQN.
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