Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho has sent a strong signal to Celtic manager Martin O’Neill ahead of Saturday’s Scottish Cup final clash against Dunfermline Athletic.
The Nigerian forward, who joined the Scottish champions as a free agent, enjoyed an electric start to life at Celtic after scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner on his debut against Kilmarnock.
Despite battling recurring fitness issues throughout the campaign, Iheanacho still played an influential role in Celtic’s Scottish Premiership title-winning season, delivering crucial goals at key moments during the run-in.
The former Leicester City attacker found the net against Dundee, Hibernian, and Motherwell as Celtic surged toward another league crown.
However, concerns surrounding his fitness have often limited his opportunities in the starting lineup, with Japan international Daizen Maeda frequently preferred in attack.
Now, Iheanacho appears eager to change that narrative ahead of Celtic’s biggest domestic fixture of the season.
According to a video shared by The Parkhead Faithful on social media, the 28-year-old returned to training on Monday despite the squad being granted a rest day following their title celebrations.
The decision is viewed as a clear statement of intent from the Nigerian international, who is reportedly determined to convince the coaching staff that he is fully fit and ready to start in Saturday’s Scottish Cup final.
With silverware already secured in the league, Iheanacho will now hope his extra effort on the training ground earns him a central role as Celtic aim to complete a domestic double.
