GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - APRIL 19: Celtic's Kelechi Iheanacho celebrates with his teammates after scoring to make it 5-2 during a Scottish Gas Scottish Cup semi-final match between Celtic and St Mirren at Barclays Hampden, on April 19, 2026, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Rob Casey/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Martin O’Neill has hinted that he is ready to step up Kelechi Iheanacho’s involvement at Celtic.
The striker joined Celtic at the start of September with the expectation that he would provide the missing goals.
It was always going to be tough covering up for the lost goals of Kyogo Furuhashi, Adam Idah and Nicolas Kuhn.
Brendan Rodgers signed Iheanacho, he suffered his second hamstring under Wilfried Nancy but now under Martin O’Neill there could be redemption.
As recently as the start of March Iheanacho missed out on the 20 man squads that went to Ibrox.
Joel Mvuka came off the bench in the Scottish Cup tie!
Over the last three matches Iheanacho has returned to centre stage.
Away to Dundee he scored the 82nd minute that kept Celtic’s title hopes alive.
O’NEILL READY FOR TITLE PUSH
At Hampden on Sunday he came off the bench and headed Celtic in front in extra-time. The trigger for four goals in six minutes.
The next five SPFL matches will define Celtic’s season.
Speaking to Celtic TV O’Neill sounded like he was ready to thrust the former Leicester striker into the front line:
There’s been a new surge here for with Kelechi. Almost challenging him to be be the player you know he has been. He has fantastic ability.
He has also had a few problems. When I arrived he was on the treatment table. I leave, then I think Wilfried played him in the League Cup final, injures himself and he’s out for a period of time. So you do get concerned
With less than a month to go this season there isn’t much point in holding back any longer.
Every SPFL match is must win. There is no point in holding anyone back.
If Celtic win their next two matches they will go into the Glasgow Derby on May 10 knowing that they can go above Danny Rohl’s side.
If they fail against Falkirk or Hibs the title could be beyond them.
With three goals in his last three appearances Iheanacho is Celtic’s in-form striker. Six goals in a season is no big deal but if he takes that to double figures he could finish the season with a medal or two.
CLICK HERE for full Celtic TV interview.
