Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has heaped praises on summer signing Kelechi Iheanacho, following his goal in the 1-1 draw against Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday.
The Scottish champions suffered a shock defeat to Kairat Almaty in the UEFA Champions League playoffs round and were eliminated into the Europa League.
They kickstarted their 2025/26 Europa League season against the Serbian champions on Wednesday night, with the match ending in a 1-1 stalemate.
Two former English Premier League players were on target in the match, as Marko Arnautovic’s goal canceled out a Kelechi Iheanacho’s opener.
The home side started brightly, but several wasted chances prevented them from taking the lead in the first half.
Super Eagles forward Iheanacho, who had only joined the club as a last-minute signing on transfer deadline day, was thrown into the fray at the interval, and was denied an immediate impact by a brilliant save from the home goalkeeper.
He was not to be denied for a second time, as he produced a stunning finish into the top corner from 16 yards in the 55th minute to put his side ahead.
The goal was the Nigerian international’s second in three matches, following his winning goal in his side’s 2-1 win over Kilmarnock on his debut.
Former Stoke City and West Ham United forward Marko Arnautovic, equalized for the hosts 10 minutes later after a lapse in defense by Celtic.
The match ended 1-1, as both sides will be happy with a share of the spoils.
Brendan Rodgers hails impact sub Iheanacho
Iheanacho has twice come on and made impact in his short time at Celtic.
The Nigerian followed his game-winning display against Kilmarnock with the opener in this Europa League clash and is fast becoming a fan favorite among the supporters.
Speaking after the match, Rodgers acknowledged the Super Eagles star’s quality and was very impressed with the goal.
“I thought Kelechi Iheanacho’s goal was outstanding”, Rodgers acknowledged Iheanacho’s superb goal after the match.
“I wanted us to be more proactive in the game, but overall, it was a nice first step for us in the competition.
“We needed someone centrally to hold the ball up. I felt we arrived in the final third and in the first half were loose. One of Kele’s great strengths is that he can take the ball in and progress us up the pitch, and he gave us a better platform”, Rodgers added.
