O’Neill sheds light on the Iheanacho mystery

Martin O’Neill has delivered an update on Kelechi Iheanacho.

The former Leicester City striker was signed as a free agent after the summer transfer window closed but hi sCeltic appearances have become increasingly infrequent.

Iheanacho got some playing time home and away against Stuttgart in the Europa League but was an absentee from Ibrox on Sunday.

The striker posted on Instagram an image training in Manchester which only added to the confusion.

IHEANACHO- CELTIC’S STRIKER PROBLEMS

Celtic signed two more strikers in January but with a goal each neither Junior Adamu or Tomas Cvancara have made the expected impact.

All season long Celtic have been looking for a striker with the goal touch with coming close to a solution.

Daizen Maeda and Adamu played at Ibrox but it required a defender and a midfielder to score the goals that salvaged a point.

Asked about Iheanacho, O’Neill told the Daily Record:

I don’t think he (Iheanacho) has played that much during the course of the season, to tell you the truth. But I think he’s got a good ability to hold it up. It’s just in terms of full fitness and things, that’s a bit of a concern.

It remains to be seen if Iheanacho is part of the Celtic squad to face Aberdeen on Wednesday.

O’Neill hinted at some players picking up knocks at Ibrox but didn’t give any names.

Following the Aberdeen match there are no more midweek matches until after the split which may give Iheancho the chance to get back involved. And add to his three goals.

Iheancho was signed on a season long contract and looks highly unlikely to remain at Celtic beyond May.

At the age of 29 he should be in his prime but post Leicester he has struggled at Sevilla, Middlesbrough and now Celtic. On loan at Middlesbrough from last January Iheanacho scored once in the Championship from nine starting appearances and six off the bench.

His arrival and injury has almost been overlooked. Celtic have been without Cameron Carter-Vickers, Alistair Johnston and Jota for the bulk of the season. Recently Arne Engels was added to that list.