Celtic vs Rangers: Iheanacho backed to win battle of Super Eagles stars – “He’s already a hero”

Former Arsenal striker John Hartson believes Nigeria and Celtic forward Kelechi Iheanacho has become one of the most feared attacking players in the Scottish Premiership, Afrik-Foot reports.

Hartson, who won six major honours with Celtic during a five-year spell, has backed the Iheanacho to make the difference against Rangers in Sunday’s Old Firm derby.

The 29-year-old Iheanacho has transformed his season in recent weeks after struggling earlier in the campaign with injuries and fitness concerns following his arrival at Celtic in September 2025 after leaving Sevilla FC.

Iheanacho has now scored five goals in his last five appearances for Celtic. His recent run includes a dramatic late winner against Hibernian last weekend, another decisive strike away to Dundee, and two goals in the Scottish Cup semi-final demolition of St Mirren.

Interestingly, most of those contributions have come from the bench rather than as a starter. While some supporters have called for him to start matches regularly, Hartson believes the striker’s current role as an impact substitute is helping both the player and the team.

“The momentum is so important as well because the fans’ confidence in him will have risen,” Hartson said as per the Herald.

“His confidence in himself to come on and get winning goals, that gives you massive faith and belief in yourself.

“Whenever he comes on now, everybody thinks he’s going to score. That’s such a good thing, having that bit of pressure.

“Coming off the bench has suited him and suited everybody else. He’s not got himself in a level of fitness to start games, where he can really play the full 90 minutes.”

Hartson also pointed to Iheanacho’s extra-time appearance against St Mirren in the cup semi-final as proof that Celtic manager Martin O’Neill sees him as a game-changing weapon late in matches.

“That’s his best role, coming on with half an hour to go, and being that person the other team’s defence fear. Because you know he’s a great goalscorer,” Hartson added.

Celtic v Rangers: Super Eagles battle could shape title race

Sunday’s derby at Celtic Park will also feature an intriguing all-Nigerian contest between Iheanacho and Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez.

Fernandez has enjoyed an outstanding breakthrough season since joining Rangers from Peterborough United in July 2025. The 24-year-old centre-back has become one of the standout defenders in Scotland and was recently voted Rangers’ Player of the Season for the 2025/26 campaign.

His performances also earned him a first senior Nigeria call-up in March. Fernandez marked his first start for the Super Eagles with a goal against Jordan. Standing at 194cm, Fernandez has dominated aerial battles throughout the season and has even contributed six goals from defence. His form has reportedly attracted interest from Arsenal and Chelsea ahead of the summer transfer window.

But Hartson believes Iheanacho’s sharp movement, confidence and eye for goal could give Celtic the edge in a match that may heavily influence the Scottish Premiership title race.

“He struggled a bit with injuries and different managers, different players at different clubs, but it’s a good thing that they have that type of player,” Hartson said.

“They can put him on and almost say he’s our best chance of getting us a goal. Credit to him and credit to Celtic for bringing him in, when everybody else thought he was finished.

“But he’s done really well. I’m just pleased that we’ve got him at our disposal. He’s already a hero but if he can continue scoring the goals he can be an even bigger one.”

The pressure on both sides has increased after recent dropped points, including Rangers’ 2-1 defeat to Heart of Midlothian.

Rangers, with 69 points, already appear out of the title race but Celtic will hope they can win their last three games and overturn the three-point advantage currently in Hearts’ favour.