Martin O'Neill had full faith that Kelechi Iheanacho, with the weight of Celtic's title hopes on his shoulders, would calmly convert his late penalty at Fir Park last night.
In the dying embers of stoppage time, the Nigerian striker slotted home from 12 yards to seal a frenetic 3-2 victory for O'Neill's charges, which put them within just one win of the league championship.
🍀 "Iconic scenes."
Kelechi Iheanacho scores a late penalty to snatch a HUGE win for Celtic at Motherwell! We're going to have a final day title decider - live on Sky Sports!
Motherwell vs Celtic & Hearts vs Falkirk reaction | Sky Sports Football now 📺 pic.twitter.com/zfEuiD69ZP— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) May 13, 2026
"Do you know what, this is honestly, it's easy for me to say this now, penalty taking is still very, very difficult under the circumstances. But do you know what, I actually fancied him," O'Neill explained.
"He's on a bit of a mission at this minute. He's done great for us in these little cameo roles that he's playing. He's been a big, big part of proceedings in the last number of weeks.
"He's had a really frustrating time, obviously with hamstring problems, but he's there for us. He wants to win."
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It was between Iheanacho and midfielder Arne Engels to take one of the most decisive kicks of Celtic's season.
"When Gavin [Strachan, assistant coach] said to me it was either him or Arne to take it, I really didn't mind," O'Neill added.
"But when it came to the point, I was pleased that he wanted to take it because it's the most important thing.
"Actually, I did watch it, believe it or not. I did, I saw it going into the corner. I probably didn't really want to watch it.
"So it takes us to the finale, whatever comes or goes, at least we've gone to the end, which looked a million miles off."
For Celtic, the objective is now plain: win against Hearts on Saturday and win the Scottish Premiership . Easier said than done.
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