Celtic Coach Vows To Help Iheanacho Regain Form

Celtic coach Brendan Rodgers has promised to help revive Kelechi Iheanacho’s career following his impressive start to life in Scotland.

The former Leicester City forward provided an assist for the team against Partick Thistle on Sunday to continue his fine start with the club.

Iheanacho was on target against Kilmarnock last week, taking his tally to one goal, and one assist in two games for the club since joining on a free transfer in the summer.

The Super Eagles forward’s contract was terminated by Spanish side Sevilla by mutual consent following his underwhelming two-year stint in Spain.

However, Brendan Rodgers, who worked with Iheanacho while at Leicester City has vowed to help him revive his career.

He said: “I know what he needs to work on and obviously that goal last week will do him the world of good.

“But the reality is, if he was still at the level of which he can play at, he wouldn’t be at Celtic. That’s the reality.

“But he’s just had that dip for the last 18 months, couple of years. But he’s still young. So can we reinvigorate him?

“And he obviously knows coming to Celtic, and he knows how I work and hopefully we can maximise his talent.”

Rodgers also denied reports that Iheanacho was not fully fit to start against Thistle on Sunday.

He said: “His (Iheanacho) actual fitness is really good. He’s one of the leanest players in our squad, but maybe the football fitness where he hasn’t played as much.

“But what do I know is his talent. I worked with him for just over four years, so I know the ability that he has.

“And, okay, the last 18 months for him has maybe not gone how he would want, but we’re hoping that by coming here, coming to a club, a special club like Celtic, can get him firing again.”

Under Rodgers, Iheanacho had his best scoring season with 12 Premier League goals in the 2020/21 season.

Iheanacho will be hoping to continue his impressive form for Celtic when they take on Crvena zvezda in the Europa League on Wednesday.