Celtic manager Brendan Rogers was full of praise for summer signing Kelechi Iheanacho after the Super Eagles striker clinched a decisive debut goal to secure a hard-fought victory over Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership, Footynaija.com reports.
Iheanacho, who joined the Hoops on a free transfer after terminating his contract with Sevilla late in the summer window, came off the bench in the second half and produced the decisive moment deep into stoppage time.
With the score tied at 1-1, Celtic earned a penalty after VAR confirmed a handball inside the area. In the 95th minute, Iheanacho stepped up and confidently blasted his strike past Kilmarnock goalkeeper Max Stryjek to secure the victory.
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Brendan Rodgers reacts to Iheanacho’s debut
Reflecting on his new striker’s impact, Rodgers, who previously had the Nigeria international under his tutelage at Leicester City couldn’t help but take a quick trip down memory lane.
The Celtic boss thought back to his FA Cup triumph with the Foxes, recalling how Iheanacho also converted a crucial spot-kick to secure the win over Manchester City despite being underdogs.
“I’m delighted for Kels (Kelechi Iheanacho) because he’s a player who really feeds off confidence and love of coaches and supporters, and that goal will be very important for him,” Rodgers was quoted by the club’s official website.
“The last penalty I remember him scoring for me was at Wembley when we beat Manchester City in the Community Shield final. He showed great composure to score that day, and he scored again today, so I’m really pleased for him.
“Like I said, he’ll thrive off the support here and the love that they’ll show him when he performs and it’s nice for his confidence.”
Rodgers will definitely be hoping that goal will be the first of so many more in Celtic’s green and white stripes for his new striker. Iheanacho’s goal ensured the Hoops maintained their unbeaten start to the season with four wins and a draw from five matches.
