Celtic hero ‘wowed’ by Kelechi Iheanacho’s three-word message to Callum McGregor vs Kilmarnock

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Frank McAvennie was blown away by what Kelechi Iheanacho said to Celtic captain Callum McGregor before taking a late penalty against Kilmarnock.

Iheanacho did not start the match on Sunday at Ayrshire, but Rodgers introduced him onto the field as a stoppage time substitute for his Celtic debut.

Of course, the Nigerian stepped up to take the game-winning spot-kick after a controversial handball decision that infuriated Killie boss Stuart Kettlewell.

Up stepped Iheanacho and he duly delivered three points, instantly endearing himself to the Celtic supporters. And that confidence really resonated with McAvennie.

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Frank McAvennie wowed by Iheanacho’s Celtic confidence

McAvennie has commended Iheanacho for letting McGregor know that he wanted to take it, despite huge pressure on his shoulders to deliver.

The ex-Celtic striker said on his Let Me Be Frank Podcast: “I didn’t think Iheanacho would have been anywhere near it. He was still not up to pace, from what I heard. But it was great to see him on the bench.

“D’you know what, he came on in the second half in the 93rd minute and says to Callum: ‘I’ll take it’. And I thought wow son, if you miss this, this is going to make or break you.

“And he scored and I was so delighted for the boy. Jumped into the crowd, got a booking. But that’s him, he’s endeared himself (to the fans).

“You need people like that at Celtic. Somebody who can just walk into the dressing room and say: ‘This is my place.'”

Will Brendan Rodgers reward Iheanacho against Partick Thistle?

So soon after returning to Scottish Premiership action following the international break, Celtic face a Premier Sports Cup tie against Partick Thistle.

The Scottish Championship side have enjoyed a decent start to the season as they sit in 3rd spot with 10 points so far.

However, Celtic are streets ahead in quality and thus, it might be a great chance for Iheanacho to start and get a good number of minutes under his belt.

There’s no doubt Iheanacho isn’t match fit just yet, but his confidence will be absolutely sky high, and you can’t not capitalise on that.

Iheanacho will be hungry for more goals and a trip to Firhill on Sunday will be ideal in that endeavour.