Europa League: Rodgers applauds Iheanacho’s influence in Celtic’s draw against Red Star

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has hailed Kelechi Iheanacho’s influence after the Nigerian striker came off the bench to score in their 1-1 draw against Red Star Belgrade.

Iheanacho replaced Daizen Maeda at the restart, with the Japanese forward ineffective in the first half. 

The change sparked life into Celtic’s attack, as they created several chances and forced Red Star’s goalkeeper into action.

The breakthrough came in the 55th minute when Iheanacho showed superb control inside the box before firing into the top corner.

Red Star, however, hit back just 10 minutes later, with Marko Arnautovic netting the equaliser to ensure the spoils were

Read Also: Iheanacho scores late winner on Celtic debut

“I thought Kels coming in was very, very good for us,” Rodgers told BT Sport. “We needed someone centrally to hold the ball up. I felt that we arrived into the final third in the first half and then we were either loose with the ball or didn’t hold the ball up.

“It’s one of Kels’ great strengths. He can take the ball in, he can use his body well and obviously allows you to progress up the pitch. So he gave us a really much better platform in the second half.”

Iheanacho has now been involved in goals contributions in Celtic’s last three matches.

At the weekend he provided an assist in his side’s 4-0 away win against Partick Thistle in the Scottish League Cup quarter-finals.

Also, he scored a late penalty as Celtic pipped Kilmarnock 2-1 in a league clash.

Iheanacho’s new found form would be good news to the Super Eagles handlers as they get set for the final round of matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic.

He was not listed in the Super Eagles side that faced Rwanda and South Africa on match days seven and eight this month.

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