Tounekti backs Kelechi Iheanacho to become a ‘top-player’ at Celtic

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The Celtic Star

·24 de setembro de 2025

Tounekti backs Kelechi Iheanacho to become a ‘top-player’ at Celtic

Sebastian Tounekti has backed his new teammate Kelechi Iheanacho to become a ‘top-player’ at Celtic…

Sebastian Tounekti scores. Partick Thistle v Celtic. Premier Sports League Cup. Sunday 21 September. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Tounekti has quickly showcased his talent at Celtic, netting his first goal in Brendan Rodgers’ side’s 4-0 Premier Sports League Cup win against Partick Thistle on Sunday at Firhill.

Vídeos OneFootball

The Tunisian winger stood out once again – like he did at Rugby Park – blending his pace and trickery and giving Celtic something they did not have at the start of the season in the final third.

Tounekti’s first goal for the club came after a clever one-two with fellow summer arrival Kelechi Iheanacho – who set him up perfectly – allowing the 23 year-old to finish emphatically and wrap the game up for the Premier Sports League Cup holders. Supporters were thrilled to see the two summer signings combine so effectively.

Iheanacho displayed his quality and calmness just last weekend with a stoppage-time penalty at Rugby Park, and although his time at Celtic is only just getting started, Tounekti is confident the Nigerian forward has everything needed to play a pivotal role for the Scottish champions this season.

With experience in both the Premier League and on the international stage, Iheanacho’s technical quality has been evident, and Tounekti clearly thinks he has what it takes to be Celtic’s main main up top for the remainder of the campaign.

Kelechi Iheanacho celebrates scoring the winner for Celtic at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock v Celtic, 14 September 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Speaking post-match at Firhill, Tounekti said, via Glasgow Times: “Yes, 100%. We all know what Kelechi can bring. He has played at the top level for many years. When he starts to get his confidence back, he will be a top player for Celtic. I’m really looking forward to see him more and to see him growing with the team. I think it’s a good day for Celtic this season.”

Rodgers has emphasised the importance of Celtic’s revamped attack finding chemistry quickly with important domestic and European games on the horizon – including tonight’s Europa League opener against Red Star Belgrade – and the initial indications point to Iheanacho and Tounekti being key to that.

Their link-up play at Firhill offered a promising sign of what the duo could offer in the attacking area of the pitch.

Conor Spence

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