Chris Sutton Backs Kelechi Iheanacho to Play Bigger Role for Celtic Despite Limited Minutes

Kelechi Iheanacho has the quality to make a greater impact at Celtic Park, according to former Celtic and Chelsea striker Chris Sutton, who has pointed to the Nigerian international’s ability to link play and retain possession as attributes the Scottish Premiership leaders can better utilise.

The 29-year-old arrived at Celtic in the summer and made an encouraging start to life in Scotland, registering two goals and an assist across his first four appearances. A hamstring injury subsequently disrupted his momentum, restricting his playing time and limiting his contributions during a critical phase of the season.

Iheanacho has since shown signs of recapturing his form. His most notable recent performance came as a substitute in Celtic’s Scottish Cup semi-final against St Mirren, when he scored twice in extra time to help secure the Hoops’ place in the final — a contribution that earned him recognition and underlined his match-winning capability when given the opportunity.

Across all competitions this season, the Super Eagles forward has recorded six goals in 19 appearances for Celtic — a modest return that reflects both his injury disruption and his largely rotational role within the squad.

Sutton, speaking on Iheanacho’s potential involvement, acknowledged a difference of opinion regarding the striker’s suitability to certain aspects of Celtic’s game. “That pressing is something which Martin O’Neill feels that Iheanacho can’t do. He can give Celtic greater quality, in terms of holding the ball in,” Sutton said.

The comment highlights an ongoing tactical debate surrounding the striker’s best use. While concerns about his pressing output persist in some quarters, Sutton’s assessment centres on Iheanacho’s technical strengths as a hold-up player — a profile that could prove valuable as Celtic pursue success on two domestic fronts, with a Scottish Cup final appearance now secured.

Iheanacho, who previously spent the majority of his career in England with Manchester City and Leicester City, joined Celtic as a free agent following Leicester’s relegation from the Premier League. His time at the King Power Stadium saw him become a fan favourite, most memorably scoring the goal that confirmed Leicester’s top-flight status on the final day of the 2020-21 season. He departs the English game with 119 Premier League appearances and 35 goals to his name.

With Celtic holding a commanding position at the top of the Scottish Premiership and a cup final on the horizon, the coming weeks will offer Iheanacho a platform to demonstrate whether Sutton’s confidence in his ability to contribute more meaningfully proves well-founded.