Former Scotland and Monaco midfielder John Collins believes Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho is better suited to his current role as an impact substitute at Celtic, Footynaija.com reports.
Most of Iheancho’s most influential moments on the pitch since arriving at Celtic on a free transfer last summer have come in games where the Nigeria international started from the substitute’s bench.
Iheanacho has missed out on Celtic’s starting XI for the last five games, but his impressive tally of four goals within that time suggests he’s been much more of an important player for the Hoops than Martin O’Neil’s team sheet indicates.
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The Super Eagles forward has not shied away from voicing his desire for a more prominent role within the squad as Celtic pursue a fifth consecutive Scottish Premiership triumph. However, Collins opines that Iheanacho is better off coming from the bench and impacting games in the final moments.
What Collins said about Kelechi Iheanacho
“Iheanacho has a good awareness of what’s round about him,” the 58-year-old said in quotes revealed by the BBC.
“He can take the ball in and you can play one-twos off him but what he doesn’t have is legs to start a game.
“So the manager has a decision to make. Do you have him on the bench when games are usually won in the last 20 minutes?
“I think he’ll be a bench player used for the last minutes until the end of the season. But there’s every chance he could be a hero at the end of the season.”
Iheanacho’s most recent introduction off the bench produced a vital winning goal against Hibernian to keep Celtic in the title conversation.
Up next in the Scottish Premiership for the Hoops is the Old Firm derby against Rangers at Celtic Park. Iheanacho will be hoping to play a crucial role for Martin O’Neil’s side, whether he features as a starter or substitute.
