Nigeria Players Abroad
Gary Lineker, Micah Richards hail Kelechi Iheanacho’s flying start at Celtic
By Oluwadamilola Olaleye
Former England striker Gary Lineker has praised Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho for his bright start at Celtic, tipping him to score heavily in the Scottish Premiership under Brendan Rodgers.
Iheanacho, 28, has quickly made his mark in Glasgow with two goals and an assist since his summer move, winning the confidence of both teammates and manager Rodgers, who previously coached him at Leicester City.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker lauded the Super Eagles striker’s natural finishing ability.
“I’ve seen the highlights — one of our favourites from Leicester, Kelechi Iheanacho, scored. I think he will score a lot of goals for Celtic,” Lineker said.
“Brendan Rodgers obviously knows him really well from Leicester. He’s a very, very good finisher, and in the Scottish league, he will bag plenty. When he’s on it, he’s streaky. He’s a natural goalscorer, and his movement is mature.”
Lineker, however, suggested Iheanacho had not yet reached the full potential many once expected of him, despite his attitude and quality.
Joining the discussion, Micah Richards, a former teammate of Iheanacho’s at Manchester City, also saluted his revival in Scotland.
“I was with him at City and he was a proper nine. If I’m being honest, I expected a little more because of how talented he was,” Richards admitted.
“He had his chance at City, then Leicester paid big money for him. It just didn’t quite work out, but now at Celtic he looks like he’s got his confidence back. What a platform to show it.”
With Rodgers back at the helm and Iheanacho already making an impact, the Nigerian has been tipped by both pundits to flourish and rediscover his best form in Glasgow.
