Former Celtic forward Cillian Sheridan has backed Kelechi Iheanacho to play a decisive role in the club’s push for the Scottish Premiership title this season.

Iheanacho, who made a bright start to life in Scotland, has endured an injury-hit spell in recent months and was also sidelined for the AFCON tournament in Morocco.

However, since returning to action, the Nigerian international has rediscovered his form, netting the decisive goal as Celtic secured a 2-1 victory over Dundee FC.

Speaking to the BBC Scottish Football Podcast, Sheridan highlighted Iheanacho’s composure and confidence in front of goal as qualities that could prove crucial in the closing stages of the campaign.

"I think if Iheanacho can be fit and stay in the team, I think he could be a big difference," Sheridan said. 

"He seems to be the one that will take chances and convert them and just looks a little bit calmer in front of goal. He seems to play with more confidence and I just feel like that's going to be quite crucial between now and the end of the season, not just for Celtic, I think for Hearts and Rangers as well."

The Irishman also pointed to a shift in momentum following recent results, suggesting that Celtic are firmly back in contention despite perceptions to the contrary. 

"Given everything that's happened in the last week, feels like a little bit of momentum has shifted more towards Celtic," he added. 

"We're saying that they're on the fringes but they're only three points behind. You'd never in any other season [call that the fringes] if Celtic are three points behind, you're thinking they're well and truly in it."

Sheridan further noted that the title race remains wide open, with rivals Rangers and Heart of Midlothian also in the mix.

"It's probably just down to the form and the way this season has gone that you kind of feel like they're way out of the fringes. But it can all change in one weekend as we've seen so far," he concluded. 

With the Hoops sitting just three points off the top, Iheanacho will be eager to hit top form as he looks to help Celtic defend their league title.

Adeyemi Adewale