‘An intelligent player’ – Super Eagles star Iheanacho draws praise from ex-Chelsea forward

Former England and Chelsea striker Chris Sutton has lauded Kelechi Iheanacho’s ability to impact games from the bench at Celtic, Afrik Foot reports.

The 29-year-old had a good start to life with the Hoops, but multiple injuries in the first half of the season have forced Celtic coach Martin O’Neill to be meticulous with the Nigerian’s minutes.

Since the turn of the year, the former Manchester City striker hasn’t started a game for Celtic, despite repeatedly claiming he’s in top physical condition.

Prior to the Old Firm derby, Martin O’Neill maintained that he still cannot guarantee a starting spot for Kelechi Iheanacho, despite the fitness issues surrounding Tomás Cvancara and Daizen Maeda.

“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.

Chris Sutton pleased with Iheanacho’s off-the-bench Celtic antics

Sutton spent most of his career at Hampden Park, scoring 85 goals and providing 30 assists in 198 games for the Green and Whites. He also won the Scottish League title four times.

Before Celtic’s 3-1 win against Rangers this afternoon, the Englishman highlighted the importance of the bench in the Hoops’ chase for the SPFL title.

“I don’t know why he’s not starting games, but I find it remarkable because he’s trained for a long time but Martin only uses him sparingly,” Sutton said on punditry duties with Sky Sports.

“Iheanacho in the Premier League, watching him alongside Jamie Vardy, had a top level of fitness, and he’s such an intelligent player.

“Not just a goalscorer, he’s a player who has good awareness, vision, holds the play.

“At times, he can be lazy, he doesn’t work hard enough, he’s not mobile, he doesn’t get on the side of the ball, and that’s the issue,” the 53-year-old concluded.

Across all competitions, Kelechi Iheanacho has scored seven goals in 21 games for Celtic this season.