NO-ONE can fault Kelechi Iheanacho’s sense of timing.
The Nigerian international striker has scored three domestic goals since joining Celtic as a free agent from Sevilla in September.
Two of those strikes sealed late Premiership victories to ensure six precious points were add to the champions’ tally as they doggedly pursue a fifth successive title in a turbulent campaign.
Iheanacho claimed his first Hoops goal against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park in mid-September when he lashed a stoppage-time penalty-kick high into the net in a dramatic 2-1 triumph.
WHOOSH…Kelechi Iheanacho wallops in Celtic’s winner against Dundee at Dens Park.
The former Manchester City and Leicester City also hit the opener in the 3-2 win over Motherwell at Parkhead the following month and his only other Celtic strike came in the 1-1 Europa League draw with Red Star in Belgrade.
The effort against the Fir Park outfit had been his last goal until yesterday. After firing blanks for five months during an injury-ravaged campaign, the 29-year-old hitman reminded everyone of his menace in front of goal with the points-clincher in the 2-1 success over Dundee at Dens Park.
Iheanacho almost uprooted the net behind the static Jon McCracken with a pulverising left-foot drive from six yards that was a winner from the instant he made explosive impact.
The strike arrived in the 82nd minute – not quite as late as the spot-kick winner in Ayrshire eight months earlier, but just as welcome.
GOALSCORERS UNITE…Yang Hyun-jun, who claimed the opener, congratulates Kelechi Iheanacho on his winning strike at Dens Park.
Afterwards, a beaming Iheanacho, speaking to Celtic TV, said: “It feels good to help the team to get the win. We really showed character and we really worked hard.
“I think, especially in the first-half, we blew them away and had a few chances, but, unfortunately, it didn’t click.
“In the second-half, they came back and scored the penalty, but at the end we got the points which is massive.
“I’ve been out for a while, so it feels good to be back and to help the team get the win. I’m happy.”
The champions now trail leaders Hearts by three points with six games to play.
Next up at Parkhead are St Mirren on Saturday afternoon in another must-win encounter before the split.
IT’S THE BOOK DEAL OF THE YEAR! You can now own a copy of ‘Celtic 50 Flags Plus One’ AND ‘Celtic Treble Treble’ for only £9.95 plus postage. Two stunning Celtic publications and you can save a massive £20! Order now! Just click the image for details and your books will be on their way. Happy reading!
