Kelechi Iheanacho is establishing himself as a fan favourite at Celtic.
In Sunday’s 2-1 win over Hibs, he made the impact from the bench again, securing another vital three points in the title race.
His well-taken finish came when Celtic needed it most, and sent the travelling away fans (some of whom were in the home end) into delirium.
Iheanacho was then serenaded by the Hoops support, who have a new goalscoring hero.
Who was your Celtic MOTM vs Hibs??
Celtic fans serenade Kelechi Iheanacho vs Hibs
Sang the Celtic fans after his goal: “He’s magic, you know… Kelechi Iheanacho.”
Via PLZ Soccer, you can listen to the new chant here.
READ MORE: Celtic player ratings as clutch Kelechi Iheanacho’s dagger grinds out crucial Hibs win
Remarkably, Iheanacho’s goal was his fourth in his last five appearances — and all of those appearances have been from the bench.
He was brought in through the back door after the closure of the transfer window as a player with a pre-existing relationship with then-manager Brendan Rodgers.
Through no fault of his own, Iheanacho watched a chaotic first half of the season from the sidelines. From November to March, he started just one game, often not making matchday squads.
Fitness and managerial preferences were the causes of this. At long last, however, he finally finds himself with a key contributory role in O’Neill’s squad.
The team’s existing problems in the striker position have necessitated this. Both Tomas Cvancara and Junior Adamu were brought in as reinforcements in the winter window, but neither has had the desired impact.
But despite being brought in to little fanfare, Iheanacho has emerged as the main man. Daizen Maeda, the top scorer from last season, is also increasingly being used from the middle.
How about that, Celtic fans? Three massive points
Kelechi Iheanacho yet again!
Martin O’Neill on Celtic’s Kelechi Iheanacho
Asked about Iheanacho’s impact on Sky Sports after the game, O’Neill said: “Terrific. Absolutely terrific. He has been magnificent, really.
“Dundee, he comes on and wins us the game there. Big impact in the Scottish Cup semi-final. Carried it on here. Delighted.
“He is a proper centre-forward. You can see that there in the course of his career.”
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
