Kelechi Iheanacho has expressed relief after scoring his first goal since October in Celtic’s hard-fought 2-1 win over Dundee on Sunday.
The Super Eagles forward joined the Scottish champions last summer and while he showed initial promise, injuries and fitness concerns have disrupted his season and limited his impact.
However, he netted the winner in Sunday’s clash, as they reduced the gap at the top of the standings to just three points and kept their title hopes alive.
Iheanacho scores winner as Celtic remain in title race
Celtic visited Dundee on Sunday, hoping to reduce the gap to Hearts, who had dropped points earlier in the day.
Yang Hyun-Jun opened the scoring for the Hoops inside eight minutes, giving them a perfect start to the encounter.
Tomas Cvancara then missed several goalscoring chances in the first half, but Celtic went into the break 1-0 up.
Read this: O’Neill hails Iheanacho display in Celtic’s win at Dundee
Simon Murray leveled matters in the second half from the penalty spot, after a review by VAR for a handball in the Celtic box.
Iheanacho, who came on in the second half, then fired in a left-footed effort into the back of the net in the 82nd minute.
The goal proved to be the winner as Celtic moved up to three points behind Hearts and two behind Rangers as the title race heats up.
Iheanacho hails goalscoring performance against Dundee
Speaking after the match, game-winner Iheanacho, who scored just his fourth goal of the campaign that has been disrupted by injuries, expressed delight at his important contribution for Celtic towards their title defence.
“It feels good to help the team to get the win today. We really showed character and we really worked hard today to get the win”, Iheanacho said.
“I think, especially in the first-half, we blew them away and had a few chances, but unfortunately it didn’t click.
“In the second-half they came back and scored the penalty, but at the end we got the points which is massive.
“I’ve been out for a while so it feels good to be back and to help the team get the win, so I’m happy”, the Super Eagles forward concluded.
Iheanacho will be eyeing another superb display for Celtic when they face St Mirren next weekend.
