Celtic needed that after a fortnight of too much negative noise.
Yes, Celtic’s off-field issues needed addressing, as fans protested at Rugby Park, but Kelechi Iheanacho’s stoppage-time penalty was the best moment of the afternoon.
Brendan Rodgers’ side left it very late, but the Hoops secured a 2-1 win over Kilmarnock to move back to the top of the Premiership table.
This was a game for the new faces, whether that’s debutants or academy stars, with Iheanacho himself giving his flowers to a fellow debutant.
- READ MORE: Unique Angle captures incredible Rugby Park scenes and what Kelechi Iheanacho did with Celtic fans
Kelechi Iheanacho lauds ‘top baller’ Sebastian Tounekti after Celtic beat Kilmarnock
Sebastian Tounekti was a pretty late signing by Celtic, and given the performance he produced against Killie, you just wonder what would have happened had he played those Champions League qualifiers.
From the get-go, the 23-year-old looked to take on his fullback, playing on the left and causing problems throughout the game.
After the game, despite Iheanacho stealing the limelight because it was his ice-cool and stoppage-time penalty that won Celtic the game, he lauded Tounekti as a ‘top baller’, and somebody who ‘makes a difference.’
“It was a big drama, to be fair,” admitted Iheanacho on how the match ended. “I think they defended really well. They knew what we were coming with. They defended really well. A back five, and they were so compact until the end.
“Obviously, this guy (points to Tounekti) makes a difference in the first and second half. At the end, we got a penalty and won the three points, so it’s massive.”
Whilst Iheanacho handed Tounekti his Man of the Match award, he added on Sky Sports, “You deserved it. Many more to come.”
In the comments section of Tounekti’s Instagram, Iheanacho posted: “Top baller.”
Tounetki’s debut numbers for Celtic
If this is a sign of things to come from Tounetki, then Celtic fans are in for a ride, and there are very exciting times ahead.
Celtic have lacked that quality out wide, and with Jota out injured for the long term, a regular performer is needed out on the left-hand side, apart from Daizen Maeda, because he is needed down the middle.
And so far, it’s a brilliant start from Tounetki.
- Shots: 5
- Dribbles: 5
- Touches: 67
- Key Passes: 4
- Interceptions: 1
- Clearances: 1
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