Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has hailed Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho as a “brilliant goalscorer” after netting in the 1-1 draw with Red Star Belgrade in the UEFA Europa League on Wednesday, Afrosport reports.
The 28-year-old came off the bench to score his second goal for the club since joining on a free transfer after his contract with La Liga side Sevilla was mutually terminated.
He also scored off the bench on his debut in a 2-1 Scottish Premiership win over Kilmarnock, with Rodgers confident in his qualities, knowing well what he brings on the pitch, having worked with him at Leicester City in the Premier League.
“I put Kelechi into the game because he’s a good reference for the team. I know he can hold the ball and his touch, and that allowed us to come into the game, and I felt we were much better in the second half and looked like we could go on and win the game,” the Northern Irish tactician said.
“Kelechi’s a brilliant goalscorer. I knew that bringing him in, and I knew that how he looks after himself is really good.
“So, it’s just about getting him up to speed, and when he can do that, he can score goals, there’s absolutely no doubt.”
Iheanacho, reacting to his first European goal for Celtic, said: “It felt really great, playing my first European competition with Celtic. I’m happy to get a goal for the team.
“It was a great atmosphere, to be fair. We got a point here, and hopefully we’ll get more points in the future.”
🗣️🥹 “To make my first European start, words can’t describe it right now.”
🗞️ Donovan and Iheanacho gave their post-match reaction after #UEL opener 👇#CrvenaZvezdaCeltic | #CelticFC🍀
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) September 25, 2025
The former Manchester City player will hope to be in goalscoring action again when Celtic host Hibernian in the Premiership on Saturday afternoon.
