Joe Hart praises Iheanacho – “I know the quality’s there with Kelechi”

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The Celtic Star

·9 settembre 2025

Joe Hart praises Iheanacho – “I know the quality’s there with Kelechi”

Former Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart feels Kelechi Iheanacho has the potential to make a “special” impact at the Hoops, as long as he shows his true ability…

Kelechi Iheanacho of Leicester City looks on during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between AFC Bournemouth and Leicester City at Vitality Stadium on February 27, 2024. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

The forward joined the Scottish champions on a free transfer after the summer window closed and the club were scrambling about for a striker.

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Hart, who enjoyed three trophy-laden seasons with Celtic, shared the pitch with Iheanacho during their time at Manchester City. Following Saturday’s legends clash between his Celtic and Manchester United at Celtic Park, the retired goalkeeper revealed his thoughts on the transfer.

Hart even likened Iheanacho’s move to Celtic to the transfer he made himself in 2021 when Ange Postecoglou came calling.

Kelechi Iheanacho of Middlesbrough during the Sky Bet Championship match between Luton Town FC and Middlesbrough FC at Kenilworth Road on March 15, 2025. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Speaking at Celtic Park at the charity match at the weekend via Daily Record, Hart said: “We’ve all had disappointing 12 months in our careers. Very few haven’t, and certainly striker-wise.”

“But those 12 months don’t define you, it’s the previous work he’s put in. Coming over, getting that contract and a chance at Manchester City, gets a great move to Leicester City.”

Hart added: “There’s a player in him, and as much as Celtic want to bring in young talent from around the world and nurse them, develop them and then sell them for great profit, there’s also room for people like Kelechi.”

“He’s a little bit younger than I was but didn’t have a good 12 months previous to coming here. But my quality was there, and I know the quality’s there with Kelechi.”

“It’s just if he wants to be in the room, whether he wants to put it in,” Hart said. “But Brendan knows him, and it’s such a nice feeling to walk in when you know the coach and you know what he expects of you. You can have some real truthful conversations.”

“So if he can bring that to the table then he can find himself a special home when he’s been a bit lost for a couple of months.”

Conor Spence

Celtic in the Eighties – Out Now!…

Celtic in the Eighties by the late, great David Potter is out now on Celtic Star Books. Celtic in the Eighties is now available in the Celtic superstore and all other club shops. And don’t forget that you can still purchase your copy directly from Celticstarbooks.com for same day postage.