“Iheanacho is the best striker, in terms of out-and-out number nine,” Tony Watt

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The Celtic Star

·15. April 2026

“Iheanacho is the best striker, in terms of out-and-out number nine,” Tony Watt

Former Hoops forward Tony Watt has revealed his view on Celtic’s struggles in the striker position…

Tony Watt scores! Celtic v Barcelona match in the Champions League on 7 November 2012 at Celtic Park. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Over the course of the season, there has been a lack of cutting edge at the top end of the pitch, with three different managers rotating their options up front.

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A number of players have been used in the role, including Adam Idah, Daizen Maeda, Johnny Kenny, Kelechi Iheanacho, Callum Osmand, Tomas Cvancara and Junior Adamu.

Junior Adamu of Celtic Celtic v Dundee, Scottish Gas Scottish Cup, Fifth Round, Football, Celtic Park, 07 February 2026. Photo Stuart Wallace IMAGO/Shutterstock

However, the current Partick Thistle forward insists there is an obvious choice to lead the line when that player is fully fit and available.

Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic celebrates victory during the Scottish Premiership between Celtic and St. Mirren at Celtic Park on April 11, 2026. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

Speaking via Clyde Superscoreboard, Watt said: “I think Iheanacho is the best striker, in terms of out-and-out number nine. In front of the goal, hold-up play, maybe not mobility.

“If you can hold the ball up and score goals, you have a chance at Celtic and Rangers. Now, his body has let him down this season, in terms of being available for games, and Celtic have had to bring in another striker.

“I don’t like Maeda down the middle. I don’t think his hold-up play is good enough. His energy. His speed. I like it when he is on the left wing. Smashing balls across for a striker or getting into the back post. I don’t think he is a natural number nine.”

Tomas Cvancara celebrates scoring the penalty that takes Celtic into the semi-finals. Scottish Cup quarter final on Sunday 8 March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou

When questioned about Cvancara’s poor form, Watt added: “Then, Cvancara, for me, looks exactly what he is – a player who hasn’t played a lot of games, and who isn’t sharp. Martin O’Neill said it the other day. He has had a few games to get up to speed, and maybe he will turn it around in the last five games.

Kelechi Iheanacho celebrates. Dundee v Celtic. Sunday 5 April 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou

“But for me, I would be going for Iheanacho. Cvancara, I don’t think we will see him at Celtic next season. I don’t think he is a number nine Celtic really need, and that is a problem for the run-in.”

Conor Spence

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