Rangers v Celtic – Kelechi Iheanacho Mystery ahead of Glasgow Derby

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The Celtic Star

·7 March 2026

Rangers v Celtic – Kelechi Iheanacho Mystery ahead of Glasgow Derby

Kelechi Iheanacho is a terrific player. The Nigerian has proven himself at the highest level with Manchester City and Leicester in the EPL, and was viewed as something of a decent capture when he was snapped up as a free agent days after the closing of the summer transfer window.

An Instant hero at Celtic

Kelechi became an instant hero after netting a last gasp winner from the spot in a September clash against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, but since then his Celtic career has been disrupted by injuries, with the revolving door of managers not helping his case either.

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But these past few weeks has seen the Nigerian International fight back to full fitness, even making a few fleeting appearances in the Europa League, but for some reason or another, he’s been excluded from several domestic match day squads.

Even more peculiarly, he’s been overlooked when it’s quite clear we are struggling when it comes to putting the ball in the back of the net. Is he really any worse than our current options?

Henrik Larsson 50 goals, Leigh Griffiths 40…

Not For me, as I’d deem Kelechi as the best striker we currently have on our books. He’s also our top scoring striker this season with THREE goals. Gone are the days when Henrik scored 50 or Leigh Griffiths 40 in a season.

He can play anywhere across the forward line, and he can score goals, he also carries that aura and arrogance needed in a centre forward. For me, he should be starting before any of our other attacking options, given their current form.

There’s been plenty of theories as to why he continues to be snubbed by Martin O’Neill, and we can argue all day as to why that is, but no one really knows the reason, except Martin and the player himself. Martin after all will have studied him closely on the training pitch.

Martin O’Neill applauds the Celtic support. theRangers v Celtic. 1st March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou

Kelechi Iheanacho probably Celtic’s best striker

We need the best options available to us, especially with two trophies still up for grabs. Kelechi is one of those players, but he needs to be handed a chance to prove that undoubtedly ability he so clearly possess.

Let’s hope we see more of him, starting at Ibrox on Sunday tomorrow.

Celtic need to win at Ibrox to keep our dreams of re-claiming the Scottish Cup back after the shambles in last season’s final against Aberdeen. We then need to beat Motherwell and basically win all our remaining games to retain the Scottish Premiership trophy at Celtic Park for yet another year.

Nygren’s outstanding goalscoring contribution

We have been relying on the wonderful goalscoring exploits of Benjamin Nygren but we need to complement his contribution with a reliable goalscorer and surveying the squad, Kelechi Iheanacho for me is by far the most likely.

I’d love Kelechi to get his chance at Ibrox tomorrow.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr. Click on image to order