Super Eagles: Ex-Celtic striker weighs in on Kelechi Iheanacho’s fitness problems

Former Celtic striker Cillian Sheridan has weighed in on how an improved Kelechi Iheanacho will boost his former side’s chances of winning the SPFL, Afrik Foot reports.

The Nigerian striker scored a late winner against Kilmarnock last week, despite playing just 55 minutes in almost six weeks.

Iheanacho has suffered three hamstring injuries this season, but his return could be a boost for Celtic as they battle Rangers and Hearts.

Cillian Sheridan weighs in on Celtic’s title chances with a fit Iheanacho

Iheanacho has made it clear that he’s fit to start games, although Michael O’Neill still wants to slowly integrate the former Sevilla man.

Sheridan played 19 games for Celtic during his active days, and has urged Iheanacho to be a big boost in the Hoops title charge.

“I think if Iheanacho can be fit and stay in the team, I think he could be a big difference,” the 37-year-old said told the BBC Scottish Football Podcast.

“He seems to be the one that will take chances and convert them and just looks a little bit calmer in front of goal.

“He seems to play with more confidence and I just feel like that’s going to be quite crucial between now and the end of the season, not just for Celtic, I think for Hearts and Rangers as well.

“Given everything that’s happened in the last week, feels like a little bit of momentum has shifted more towards Celtic.

“We’re saying that they’re on the fringes but they’re only three points behind. You’d never in any other season [call that the fringes] if Celtic are three points behind, you’re thinking they’re well and truly in it.

“It’s probably just down to the form and the way this season has gone that you kind of feel like they’re way out of the fringes. But it can all change in one weekend as we’ve seen so far,” the Irishman concluded.

Despite his brilliant outing off the bench last week, O’Neill still benched Iheanacho against St. Mirren, starting Tomás Cvancara instead.