Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho is proving to be one of Celtic’s most decisive players in the closing stages of the Scottish Premiership title race, despite continuing to play a reduced role from the bench.

The Nigerian striker once again delivered when it mattered most, inspiring Celtic to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Hibernian on Sunday with another crucial contribution off the bench.

Iheanacho has quietly become one of Celtic’s most reliable impact players in recent weeks.

Across the club’s last five matches in all competitions, the 29-year-old has scored four goals, repeatedly stepping up in key moments for Martin O’Neill’s side.

Although the former Manchester City and Leicester City striker has struggled to cement a regular starting place, former Celtic midfielder John Collins believes the Nigerian still has a massive role to play in the club’s push for silverware.

Speaking in comments reported by the BBC, Collins suggested Iheanacho’s strengths are better suited to influencing games late rather than starting them.

“Iheanacho has a good awareness of what’s around him,” Collins said.

“He can take the ball in and you can play one-twos off him, but what he doesn’t have is the legs to start a game.

“So the manager has a decision to make. Do you have him on the bench when games are usually won in the last 20 minutes?

“I think he’ll be a bench player used for the last minutes until the end of the season.

“But there’s every chance he could be a hero at the end of the season.”

Celtic’s interim boss Martin O’Neill had earlier hinted that Iheanacho’s limited minutes are largely down to tactical demands, particularly the intense pressing style preferred in attack.

Japanese forward Daizen Maeda has often been favored because of his energy and work rate off the ball, qualities that allow Celtic to maintain relentless pressure from the front.

However, Iheanacho’s composure, intelligence in tight spaces, and eye for goal have made him a dangerous weapon against tiring defenders late in matches, a role he has embraced effectively in recent weeks.

His resurgence could also have major implications for his future at Celtic. After questions were raised earlier in the campaign about his long-term place at the club, the Nigerian international now appears to be rebuilding his value at a crucial point in the season.