Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has backed Kelechi Iheanacho to become a “big asset” for the Scottish champions, praising the Nigeria international as a “natural striker” with the tools to lead the club’s attack.

Iheanacho joined Celtic on a free transfer earlier this month after leaving Sevilla. Despite limited pre-season minutes, the 27-year-old has made a bright start, recording a goal or assist in each of his first three appearances, Footballrover reports.

Kelechi Iheanacho’s impressive start boosts Celtic’s attack

The former Leicester City forward endeared himself to fans on his Celtic debut, coming off the bench to score the decisive goal in a hard-fought win over Kilmarnock.

Speaking ahead of Celtic’s Scottish Premiership clash with Hibernian, Rodgers acknowledged that the squad is still adapting after a challenging summer but highlighted Iheanacho’s influence.

— “It’s a consequence of where we were from the summer,” Rodgers told reporters.

“So, we have to look to find it. It’s not as natural as it was last year in some ways, but I think we can see opportunities there, like Kelechi coming into the team. I know he’s a natural striker, and he can do really good things for us. That is part of the challenge, filling in the gaps where we have some.”

Rodgers believes Iheanacho can be a long-term asset

Rodgers, who worked with Iheanacho at Leicester City, where the striker contributed 68 goal involvements (43 goals, 25 assists) in 143 games, expressed confidence in his former player’s potential at Celtic.

— “He’s only going to get better because I know the player. I know how good he can be and how good he was for me,” Rodgers explained. “When he came in, because of the timing of his arrival and everything that surrounded our window, maybe it wasn’t so accepting for him to be in, but there’s absolutely no doubt that of all the players that were available, he was the standout.

I know his talent, and I know how big a player he can be. Now he’s starting to settle into the squad, and he’ll show that during his time here.”

Rodgers also stressed the importance of confidence for strikers, recalling Iheanacho’s years behind Jamie Vardy at Leicester.

— “It’s like with any player – you need to feel the trust of the coach, you need to feel part of an environment and really inclusive of everyone. Then your confidence grows from that. Strikers are confidence players, and I can see that growing with him.”

The Celtic boss added that Iheanacho’s physical condition has already impressed the coaching staff.

— “He’s come back physically in a really good place – his body fat is one of the lowest in our squad, so he’s in a really good way. It’s just catching up on game time, and he can be a big asset for us.”

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Last Updated on September 27, 2025 8:52 am by footballrover