Kelechi Iheanacho reveals Kasper Schmeichel connection in first Celtic interview since Brendan Rodgers reunion

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Kelechi Iheanacho’s Celtic signing was announced to little fanfare.

The Nigerian striker, who played under Brendan Rodgers at Leicester, arrived as a free agent following his release from Sevilla.

The lack of positivity is not all down to him, though, with recent Celtic fan unrest being made clear after numerous top targets in the window were not finalised by the club’s hierarchy.

Iheanacho will also have fans to win over due to his decision not to join the club in January, when a search for a Kyogo Furuhashi replacement led the club to him initially, only for the 28-year-old to opt for a move to Middlesbrough.

Celtic’s desperation means that they will need to make do with him now though, and in his first interview since putting pen to paper, he has mentioned some details about his relationship with an old teammate.

READ MORE: Simon Donnelly offers Celtic Kelechi Iheanacho defence as new signing debate continues

Kelechi Iheanacho sat next to new Celtic teammate Kasper Schmeichel in Leicester dressing room

Rodgers is not the only man Iheanacho knows from his time in Leicester – Kasper Schmeichel was at the club in all but one of the striker’s years with the Foxes.

When the Nigerian joined the club as an inexperienced player, Schmeichel’s leadership, along with Rodgers, played an important role in helping him settle in at the King Power.

Speaking to Celtic TV, Iheanacho said: “I’m really happy to be working with Brendan again. He’s a great man and a great coach with a good personality.

“I’m happy to be playing under him again. The gaffer knows me, and he knows what I can offer, so I just can’t wait to get going.

“When I was at Leicester, I used to sit next to Kasper in the changing room, so I’ll be happy to see him again. It’s been a long time, so I’m looking forward to seeing him again.”

Schmeichel is yet to concede a goal this season for Celtic, so his presence will hopefully give a platform for Iheanacho to hit the ground running in terms of his attacking output.

Brendan Rodgers praises Celtic signing Iheanacho’s athleticism and work rate

Rodgers has made a habit of reuniting with old faces in both of his spells at Celtic, using his contacts to great effect.

Kolo Toure, Scott Sinclair and Jonny Hayes have all been brought to Celtic Park after having previous experience of playing under the Northern Irishman.

Speaking about Iheanacho, the latest figure he brought back, Rodgers said: “I am sure he will love being at Celtic, and I believe our fans will love what he brings. He has great experience, and he is right in his peak years, so he can be a great signing for us.

“I am sure he will make a big contribution to the team. I know Kelechi so well and what he can bring to the team. He is such a talented player, with great ability, athleticism and work-rate.”

Iheanacho’s work rate will be crucial during the international break as he races to get match fit in time for Celtic’s next fixture against Partick Thistle.