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Former Arsenal forward John Hartson believes Kelechi Iheanacho has developed into one of the most dangerous attacking players in Scottish football, Footynaija reports.
Hartson has backed the Super Eagles forward to make a major impact for Celtic in Sunday’s Old Firm clash against Rangers.
Iheanacho’s season at Celtic looked uncertain earlier in the campaign after injury problems and fitness concerns limited his influence following his move from Sevilla in September 2025. But the 29-year-old has completely changed the mood around him with a remarkable scoring run in recent weeks.
The former Sevilla striker has netted five goals in his last five matches, including a dramatic late winner against Hibernian, another decisive strike away to Dundee and a brace in Celtic’s Scottish Cup semi-final demolition of St Mirren.
Kelechi Iheanacho has provided some real output for Celtic despite his limited playing time this season.
— EaglesTracker (@ETMediaNG) May 5, 2026
Should he be included in the Super Eagles squad for the Unity Cup? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/8pByVLF6Fz
Most of those contributions have come from the bench, but Hartson believes that role is currently bringing out the best in the former Leicester City forward.
“The momentum is so important as well because the fans’ confidence in him will have risen,” Hartson said as per the Herald. “His confidence in himself to come on and get winning goals, that gives you massive faith and belief in yourself.
“Whenever he comes on now, everybody thinks he’s going to score. That’s such a good thing, having that bit of pressure.”
Hartson added that Iheanacho’s current fitness levels make him more effective as a late attacking weapon rather than a starter capable of lasting the full game.
Fair to say Smith Layi isn’t impressed with Kelechi Iheanacho’s exploits in Scotland. AyoT thinks he’s having a fine season. What do you think?
— EaglesTracker (@ETMediaNG) May 5, 2026
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“Coming off the bench has suited him and suited everybody else,” he said. “He’s not got himself in a level of fitness to start games, where he can really play the full 90 minutes.
“They can put him on and almost say he’s our best chance of getting us a goal,” Hartson said. “Credit to him and credit to Celtic for bringing him in, when everybody else thought he was finished.
“But he’s done really well. I’m just pleased that we’ve got him at our disposal. He’s already a hero but if he can continue scoring the goals he can be an even bigger one.”
Second-placed Celtic sit three points behind leaders Hearts and a win against Rangers would boost their chances of retaining the title they won in style last season.
