Super Eagles: Celtic coach to ‘manage’ Iheanacho ahead of Rangers clash

Celtic interim manager Martin O’Neill has revealed Kelechi Iheanacho will not start in the Old Firm derby against Rangers tomorrow afternoon, Afrik Foot reports.

The 29-year-old has scored four goals in his last five games, all of which have come from the bench.

The striker has been bullish about wanting to start more games for the Hoops, but the Celtic coach thinks otherwise.

Celtic coach to ‘manage’ Iheanacho vs Rangers

Since suffering back-to-back hamstring problems in the first half of the season, O’Neill has been meticulous about Iheanacho’s minutes, ensuring he stays fit to help the team when the opposition have tired legs.

Borussia Mönchengladbach loanee Tomás Cvancara is a doubt for the Celtic game, while Daizen Maeda has only just returned to team training.

Still, the Celtic boss believes Iheanacho needs to be managed.

“He is a player I have to manage,” the 74-year-old said in quotes revealed by the Scotsman.

“Kelechi is itching to start games. He’s had a major impact coming on but sometimes it might not happen like that.

“He did start against Dundee United at Tannadice. I thought it was the thing to do but he didn’t see the game out. He might come in the game and not make an impact, but that might not be his fault.

“It’s a balancing act and you have to think about it. There is a thought about starting him, but knowing that he probably wouldn’t see it through. But you never know, he might start on Sunday,” the Northern Irishman concluded.

Celtic are currently 2nd on the SPFL table, three points behind League leaders Hearts with three games left to play.