John Hartson believes Kelechi Iheanacho has become one of the most dangerous attacking options in the Premiership and is backing the striker to trouble theRangers in Sunday’s derby clash…
The Nigerian forward has made a huge impact for Celtic in recent weeks, most recently scoring the winner against Hibernian at Easter Road.
He also netted a late goal against Dundee and grabbed a brace in the Scottish Cup semi-final demolition of St Mirren, taking his recent tally to four goals in five appearances.
Iheanacho’s impressive run has come from the substitutes’ bench, sparking debate among supporters over whether he deserves a place in the starting line-up.
However, questions over his fitness remain, and his influence as an impact substitute has continued to pay off.
‘Iheanacho has been massive for the team’ insists Hartson
Hartson believes Premiership defenders are wary whenever the 29-year-old enters the pitch and expects him to have another key role to play against Danny Rohl’s side this weekend.
The former Celtic striker said via Daily Record: “Iheanacho has been massive for the team. The momentum is so important as well because the fans’ confidence in him will have risen. 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. Coming off the bench has suited him and suited everybody else. He’s not got himself in a level of fitness to start games, where he can really play the full 90 minutes.
“When he came back in, in the extra time against St Mirren in the semi-final, I thought he’d start the next game – but he didn’t. He still continued to be on the bench and comes on again the next few.
“That’s his best role, coming on with half an hour to go, and being that person the other team’s defence fear. Because you know he’s a great goalscorer.”
‘He’s already a hero’ reckons the former Hoops striker
Hartson added: “He struggled a bit with injuries and different managers, different players at different clubs, but it’s a good thing that they have that type of player.
“They can put him on and almost say he’s our best chance of getting us a goal. 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.
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