Celtic’s title challenge could be significantly influenced by the availability and form of Kelechi Iheanacho as the season reaches its decisive stage.
The Nigerian forward has endured a disrupted campaign due to injury setbacks, limiting his consistency since arriving in Scotland. However, his recent return to action has already delivered a key moment, scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Dundee to keep Celtic firmly in the race.
With the Scottish Premiership title battle tightening, discussion around Iheanacho’s importance has intensified, particularly given Celtic’s slim gap to the top of the table.
Former Celtic striker Cillian Sheridan, speaking on the BBC Scottish Football Podcast, highlighted the forward’s potential influence in the closing stretch of the season.
More Read
Sheridan said:”I think if Iheanacho can be fit and stay in the team, I think he could be a big difference.”
He further emphasized the striker’s efficiency and composure in front of goal, adding:”He seems to be the one that will take chances and convert them and just looks a little bit calmer in front of goal. He seems to play with more confidence and I just feel like that’s going to be quite crucial between now and the end of the season, not just for Celtic, I think for Hearts and Rangers as well.”
Reflecting on Celtic’s position in the title race, Sheridan also noted the shift in momentum and how narrow the margins remain.
He said: “Given everything that’s happened in the last week, feels like a little bit of momentum has shifted more towards Celtic.”
He added: “We’re saying that they’re on the fringes but they’re only three points behind. You’d never in any other season [call that the fringes] if Celtic are three points behind, you’re thinking they’re well and truly in it.”
He continued: “It’s probably just down to the form and the way this season has gone that you kind of feel like they’re way out of the fringes. But it can all change in one weekend as we’ve seen so far.”
With Celtic just three points off the summit, the title race remains wide open. If Iheanacho maintains fitness and continues delivering in key moments, he could become a defining factor in how the campaign concludes.
© Bold Sports Media. All rights reserved. If sharing, kindly credit Bold Sports as the source and include a link to the original post. Unauthorised use is prohibited.
