Celtic legend backs Iheanacho for title push

Celtic have received a timely vote of confidence in their Scottish Premiership title pursuit, with former striker Cillian Sheridan backing Kelechi Iheanacho to play a decisive role in the closing stages of the campaign, PidomNigeria Sports Extra reports.

Iheanacho, who made an encouraging start to life in Scotland, has endured a disrupted spell in recent months due to injury and his absence during the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. However, the Nigeria international has begun to rediscover his rhythm since returning to action, underlining his importance with the winning goal in Celtic’s 2-1 victory over Dundee FC.

Speaking on the BBC Scottish Football Podcast, Sheridan suggested that Iheanacho’s composure and confidence in front of goal could prove vital as Celtic look to close the gap at the top of the table.

He stressed that the forward’s ability to convert chances and remain calm in decisive moments sets him apart, particularly in a tightly contested title race involving rivals Rangers and Heart of Midlothian.

“I think if Iheanacho can be fit and stay in the team, I think he could be a big difference. 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 said.

“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.”

Sheridan also pointed to a shift in momentum following recent results, noting that Celtic remain firmly in contention despite perceptions that they are trailing behind.

With the Hoops sitting just three points off the summit, he argued that such a gap would ordinarily signal a strong title challenge rather than a distant pursuit.

“Given everything that’s happened in the last week, feels like a little bit of momentum has shifted more towards Celtic. 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 further emphasised the unpredictable nature of the title race, insisting that the situation could change rapidly with each round of fixtures as multiple contenders remain in the hunt.

“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 the title race finely poised, Iheanacho will be keen to maintain his resurgence and provide the cutting edge required as Celtic aim to sustain their challenge and defend their league crown.