Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has suggested that Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho could be handed a starting role when the Hoops face Falkirk FC on Saturday evening at Celtic Park.

Iheanacho, who joined Celtic as a free agent in September 2025, has rediscovered his form after overcoming early injury setbacks that disrupted what initially looked like a promising start to life in Glasgow. 

The Nigeria international recently delivered a standout performance in Celtic’s Scottish Cup victory over St Mirren FC, netting a brace to secure the club’s progression to the final.

Speaking ahead of the weekend fixture, O’Neill expressed his satisfaction with Iheanacho’s recent contributions and hinted strongly at the possibility of a starting berth.

"In a serious moment, he's done really well. He's looking very, very strong," O’Neill said.

"And I think with the confidence now, and I think with us showing a serious trust in him now, I think he really wants to do it. And I think that's a lovely thing about it."

The Celtic boss also highlighted the forward’s technical quality and overall influence in recent weeks.

"You can see that he's been a player. His control is really good. Honestly, I've been really pleased with him. He could easily start. He could easily start in the games," he added. 

O’Neill further reflected on Iheanacho’s growing role within the team, pointing to key contributions, including his decisive goal in the win over Dundee.

"Actually, it's more important as the weeks have gone on," O'Neill explained.

"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. He's followed that up there by scoring some goals, and took them brilliantly."

Despite competition for places, particularly with Daizen Maeda impressing in a central role, O’Neill acknowledged there is a strong case for Iheanacho to start more regularly.

"And, yes, I think he would like to start in the game. Daizen Maeda started this press from the centre-forward position, got us the goal early on. And, yeah, there's definitely a case for thinking about Iheanacho starting in matches. I think he would love to do it.

"Not having completed it in 90 minutes for quite some considerable time, as I thought. But he also started at Dundee United. I don't think it was his fault. He had a great chance. The goalkeeper made a really good save after half an hour in the game.

"But I'm not saying it didn't work for the team as such. But, overall, he has made a big impact in the last couple of weeks. And it looks as if he's staying fit," he concluded. 

The 29-year-old Iheanacho has scored six goals and providing one assist in 18 appearances across all competitions.

Adeyemi Adewale