KELECHI IHEANACHO has now made three matchwinning appearances from the substitutes’ bench to keep Celtic’s title quest on course.
The Nigerian international completed a welcome hat-trick when he replaced Yang Hyun-jun in the 70th minute and, only moments later, whipped in the points-clincher in the 2-1 triumph over Hibs at Easter Road yesterday.
Earlier in his Hoops career, Iheanacho thumped in a stoppage-time penalty-kick to secure a 2-1 victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park in his debut game in September.
USING THE HEAD…Kelechi Iheanacho darts between two Hibs defenders.
And the former Manchester City and Leicester City hitman did it again when he lashed a late drive into the Dundee net in the 2-1 success at Dens Park last month.
Just for good measure, the 29-year-old forward knocked in a double to inspire Martin O’Neill’s side to a 6-2 extra-time win in their Scottish Cup semi-final against St Mirren to book a place against Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline in the showpiece occasion at Hampden on Saturday May 23.
Reflecting on his latest vitally important strike, Iheanacho said: “I always feel great to come in and help the team to get the win, so I’m happy. The whole team is happy and especially the fans.
“It’s really important to stay patient, especially when you’re playing against 10 men.
“It’s difficult because they sit back and wait for you to come, so you need patience to move them from side to side to create spaces.
“In the end, we got our reward.”
LOVE AFFAIR…matchwinner Kelechi Iheanacho’s message to the Celtic support after the 2-1 victory over Hibs at Easter Road.
Iheanacho, speaking to Celtic TV, added: “In the box, you need to be composed, but it was a difficult finish.
“I wanted to head it at first, but I had a second touch to chest it and then the guys started rushing out and I just had to get it on target and see what happened.
“I’m happy that the fans are loving every moment of it. I’m enjoying it, too.
“We just need to focus on the rest of the games and do the job we need to do and, at the end, we’ll hopefully get the trophy.”
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