Kelechi Iheanacho is set to be considered for a starting role in Celtic’s upcoming match against Falkirk FC at Celtic Park, as manager Martin O’Neill praised the Nigerian forward’s resurgence following early injury setbacks. The 29-year-old, who joined the Scottish Premiership club as a free agent in September 2025, has been in strong form recently, scoring crucial goals that have helped Celtic advance in key competitions. His standout performance came in the Scottish Cup win over St Mirren FC, where he netted a brace to secure the team’s place in the final.
O’Neill, speaking ahead of the weekend fixture, expressed his growing confidence in Iheanacho’s abilities and emphasized the player’s improved fitness and form. “In a serious moment, he’s done really well. He’s looking very, very strong,” the Celtic boss said. He added that the forward’s confidence has grown alongside the team’s trust in him, which has translated into impactful performances on the pitch. O’Neill highlighted Iheanacho’s technical skills, noting his excellent ball control and overall influence in recent matches.
The manager also pointed to Iheanacho’s decisive contribution in Celtic’s victory over Dundee, where he came off the bench to score the match-winning goal. “He came on at Dundee, scored the goal probably at that stage in the proceedings, probably the only one that would have got us the goal at the time,” O’Neill recalled. Since then, Iheanacho has continued to deliver, scoring multiple goals and taking them with composure and precision. Despite competition from Daizen Maeda, who has also performed well in the central forward role, O’Neill acknowledged that Iheanacho’s form makes him a strong candidate for a regular starting spot.
“I think he would like to start in the game,” O’Neill said, noting that Iheanacho started against Dundee United earlier and had a clear chance that was saved by the goalkeeper. While he hasn’t completed 90 minutes in a while, his overall impact has been significant, and he appears to be staying fit and consistent. Iheanacho has now scored six goals and provided one assist in 18 appearances across all competitions, marking a positive turnaround in his season.
Celtic fans will be watching closely to see if Iheanacho earns a starting berth on Saturday, as his form continues to grow and his importance to the team becomes increasingly evident. His journey from injury struggles to key contributor reflects resilience and determination, qualities that could shape his role in Celtic’s push for silverware this season.
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