Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton has shed light on why Kelechi Iheanacho was not named in the starting lineup, with Daizen Maeda preferred in Celtic's 3-1 victory over Falkirk.

The Nigerian international had been tipped to start after his outstanding display in the 6-2 win over St. Mirren last weekend.

Iheanacho, who joined the Hoops as a free agent last September, netted a brace to help Celtic secure a place in the Scottish Cup final.

Despite that performance, manager Martin O'Neill opted to start Daizen Maeda, a decision that paid off as the Japanese forward struck a brace in the win.

Speaking during analysis, Sutton suggested that Maeda’s pressing ability played a decisive role in the selection.

“That pressing is something which Martin O’Neill feels that Iheanacho can’t do,” he said, as quoted by 67hailhail.

“He can give Celtic greater quality, in terms of holding the ball in.”

After arriving in the summer, Kelechi Iheanacho made an impressive start to the league campaign, finding the net twice in his opening three appearances.

However, despite that promising beginning, the former Leicester City forward has endured a difficult season, with recurring injuries disrupting his momentum.

The 29-year-old has recently returned to action and is beginning to show glimpses of his best form once again.

With only a handful of games remaining this season, Iheanacho will be eager to regain full sharpness and play a key role in Celtic’s push to successfully defend their league crown.

Adeyemi Adewale