Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has given his verdict on the performance of Kelechi Iheanacho following the club’s 2-0 defeat to Dundee United on Sunday.
Iheanacho, who has struggled with injuries in recent weeks, was handed a starting role but was substituted shortly after the beginning of the second half.
After 57 minutes, the Nigerian international was replaced by Tunisian forward Sebastian Tounekti, as Celtic searched for a way back into the game after falling behind.
Speaking after the match, O’Neill explained the reasoning behind his decision and admitted he was aware the striker would not be able to complete the full 90 minutes.
“I think the thing that I thought in terms of the conditions, which beforehand you’re trying to take into consideration, O'Neill was quoted as saying by the Celtic Way.
"That if we could have some possession and then play it into Iheanacho, that he could hold it and be in the penalty box and be a threat"
O’Neill added: “But I knew that he wouldn’t last the game anyway, not having played since he came off in the Cup final.”
Iheanacho, who joined Celtic as a free agent during the summer transfer window, enjoyed a bright start to life at Celtic Park, scoring two goals in his first three league appearances.
The former Leicester City forward found the back of the net against Kilmarnock and Motherwell during the early weeks of the campaign under manager Brendan Rodgers.
With a few matches remaining before the end of the season, Iheanacho will be hoping to regain full match fitness and sharpness as Celtic continue their push to compete for the league title.
Adeyemi Adewale
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