Celtic legend Packie Bonner has lauded Nigerian international Kelechi Iheanacho for his “proven striker” instincts after the forward came off the bench to secure a vital 2-1 victory over Hibernian at Easter Road.
The 29-year-old Super Eagles forward has developed a reputation for decisive late contributions in Celtic’s title charge. Introduced in the 70th minute with the score level, Iheanacho needed just two minutes to make an impact, firing home his fourth league goal of the season and seventh overall for the club.
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Iheanacho’s strike in the 72nd minute sealed all three points, underlining his growing importance as an impact substitute. Notably, six of his seven goals this season have come from the bench.
“Everybody connected with Celtic breathed a sigh of relief at the end. They made hard work of it,” Bonner told BBC Sport.
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“Iheanacho came off the bench, and he’s a proven striker. The big problem for him is lasting a full game, but what an impact he made. The goal was really, really good.”
Managed by Martin O’Neill, Celtic remain locked in a tight title race with Heart of Midlothian, with both sides level on 73 points and separated only by goal difference.
Attention now shifts to the high-stakes Old Firm derby against Rangers, where Iheanacho’s recent form could earn him a place in the starting XI.
Having joined Celtic in September 2025, Iheanacho is approaching the end of his current deal in June 2026, though the club retains the option to extend his contract by a further 12 months.
A decisive display in the upcoming derby could further strengthen his case for an extended stay in Glasgow.
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