Kelechi Iheanacho kept Celtic's Scottish Premiership title hopes alive by coming off the bench to score the decisive goal in Sunday's victory over Dundee.

In response to Dundee's equaliser, Celtic boss Martin O'Neill made his first substitution, sending on Iheanacho for Tomáš Čvančara in the 58th minute.

The Super Eagles star repaid the manager's faith eight minutes from time, calmly slotting home following a beautifully whipped cross from Marcelo Saracchi into the box.

Martin O'Neill didn't hold back in his praise for Iheanacho following his crucial goal.

"Iheanacho came on and scored the goal which wins the game for us. Naturally, we're delighted and we're still in the picture," O’Neill told Celtic TV.

Iheanacho kicked off his Celtic career in sensational style, scoring two goals in his first three Premiership matches.

Unfortunately, the 2013 Fifa U17 World Cup Golden Ball winner has been battling a persistent hamstring problem since October, limiting his time on the pitch.

Commenting on the Nigerian's injury struggles, the Celtic coach stressed that the Manchester City academy graduate is a top-class striker. 

"Players have to take opportunities. I know he's had a frustrating time. When I arrived, he was recovering from a hamstring problem, then he left. 

"Wilfried brought him in and he pulled a hamstring again in the League Cup final. But he's a really fine player and he can find the net," O'Neill concluded. 

With his contract set to run out at the end of the season, Iheanacho's future at Celtic is expected to be a key talking point in the weeks ahead.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel