Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho scored his first goal in half a year yesterday after coming off the bench on his debut for Celtic in their 2-1 win over Kilmarnock, Soccernet.ng reports.
The former Leicester City man came off the bench with 20 minutes left to play. A VAR check went in Celtic’s favour after the ball deflected off the arm of a Kilmarnock defender.
Up stepped Iheanacho to dispatch the spot kick with vim and send the crowd wild. After expressing his delight at a great start to life with the Hoops, his manager, Brendan Rodgers, had nothing but good things to say about the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner.
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The pair worked together at the King Power Stadium in the English Premier League, winning the 2021 FA Cup and FA Community Shield with Leicester City.
The former Liverpool manager wants to ease Iheanacho into life at Celtic, as he’s sure the 28-year-old still has a lot to offer at the top level.
“I was really pleased with Kels. I think the last penalty he took was for me at Wembley, when we beat Manchester City in the Community Shield, and that was another big moment there,” the 52-year-old said in quotes revealed by the Daily Record.
“I think that’s a big moment for him, with the supporters and everything else. We got the penalty, but he’s still got to score it, and he did that, and we took the win.
“There’s no doubt he’s got big moments in him, and once he gets fitter, he’s only going to get better.
“Obviously, our penalty taker has been off the pitch. I think Benji Nygren wanted the penalty and had the confidence, which is great, but my message was for Kels.
“I know what he brings, I know the confidence he brings, and I also know what a goal will do for him.
“I’m delighted for him and for the team in particular, because it’s been a long couple of weeks, but it’s a big win for us,” the Celtic gaffer concluded.
Iheanacho will be looking for his first start next weekend when Celtic travels for a League Cup clash against Partick Thistle.