Celtic manager delivers brutal verdict on Kelechi Iheanacho’s future

Celtic interim head coach Martin O’Neill has given Kelechi Iheanacho a brutal response to his desire to remain with the Hoops beyond this season, Afrik Foot reports.

The 29-year-old joined the Record Scottish Champions last summer as a free agent after terminating the remainder of his three-year contract with Sevilla despite only spending six months in Spain.

Iheanacho had a good start to life in Scotland before injuries crept in and he lost his place in the starting lineup.

Still, he worked his way to becoming a cult hero with the Hoops, scoring crucial goals off the bench to help them win the league title, and recently, scored off the bench to win the FA Cup against Dunfermline Athletic.

Kelechi Iheanacho’s hope of a Celtic stay and Martin O’Neill’s response

Despite playing very limited minutes, the former Manchester City striker was very crucial in Celtic’s domestic double, and expressed his desire to stay at the club beyond this season.

“I love the supporters, I love them all,” Kelechi Iheanacho said in quotes revealed by the Herald Scotland.

“Everyone in the streets of Glasgow, people recognise me. I am happy. The whole of Glasgow is a great city.

“Hopefully, I will be here next season. I am really happy to wear a Celtic shirt and to play for them with all my heart.”

Meanwhile, Interim boss Martin O’Neill is set to enter discussions with principal shareholder Dermot Desmond, although he’s clarified that staying on as Celtic’s permanent coach would be a hard ask.

Given the uncertainty regarding his future, the 74-year-old revealed he can’t assure Iheanacho of a place in the team ahead of next season.

“Iheanacho keeps asking me! ‘What do you think, are they going to keep me on?’” the former Nottingham Forest coach told the Scotsman.

“I have no idea, mate. Don’t ask me, I am not the manager anymore. This morning again he stopped me in the lift. ‘Are you staying on?’ I have no idea, can you just concentrate on the game this afternoon!”

Iheanacho initially signed for Celtic on a one-year deal, although the club have the option to extend for another year. Whether or not it’ll be triggered is currently unknown.