Former Arsenal star Kieran Tierney has pointed to Kelechi Iheanacho’s dramatic late winner as a powerful illustration of Celtic’s never-say-die spirit, insisting that moments like those are defining the club’s push during the decisive stage of the season.

Celtic’s resolve was once again on display in their 2–1 Scottish Premiership victory over Livingston at Celtic Park, a match settled by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s stoppage-time strike on his debut.

The former Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder curled home a fine effort deep into added time to ignite celebrations in the stands and secure three vital points for the Hoops.

The result keeps Celtic firmly in the title hunt, cutting the gap to leaders Hearts to six points with a game in hand.

Speaking the day after the match, Tierney reflected on how such late moments have become a recurring theme in Celtic’s campaign.

The left-back, who returned to the club after spells away, referenced Iheanacho’s own decisive contribution earlier in the season as a benchmark for the mentality now driving the squad.

“This season, the belief in the last-minute winners we have had shows that we never give up,” Tierney said, as quoted by Celtic Way, recalling Iheanacho’s injury-time penalty on his Celtic debut away to Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

“There were more games at the start of the season where we did that, even Kelechi Iheanacho on his debut at Rugby Park. It shows the character. It is one of those seasons where it is going to take results like this and massive shifts in momentum. We just need to keep going.”

Iheanacho joined Celtic in September 2025 on a one-year deal with the option of an extension after spells at Sevilla and a loan stint at Middlesbrough.

He marked his first appearance for the club by calmly converting from the spot in the dying moments, immediately endearing himself to supporters and reinforcing the team’s belief.

Wale Adejumo