John Hartson reckons Kelechi Iheanacho is feared by Premiership defences - and is backing him to down Rangers.
The Nigerian striker has made some telling contributions for Celtic in recent months - not least the winner at Hibs last weekend. He scored a similar late striker at Dundee as well as two in the Scottish Cup semi-final trouncing of St Mirren to make it five in his last five games.
All of this has been achieved when coming off the bench and there has been a clamour for him to star more games. However, there are question marks over his fitness and it seems to suit him more to be handed a cameo role.
Hartson thinks so and feels defences are fearful when they see the 29-year-old entering the fray. He's backing him to do more damage in Sunday's derby.
The Celtic hero said: “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.
Read more
Celtic just regained a potent title race weapon and it could be significant
Celtic hero's verdict on Benji Nygren transfer exit and surprise goal drop-off
“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 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.”
Share