Celtic of Scotland attacker, Kelechi Iheanacho has been reminded about his spate of injuries since joining The Bhoys at the start of this year, and the club’s coach, Martin O’Neill says the star must continue proving he is fit.
Sports47 reports that O’Neill spoke against the backdrop of Iheanacho’s return to goals scoring form last weekend, but the gaffer pointed out that a verdict cannot be passed yet on whether the Nigerian lad will remain at Celtic Park next season.
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O’Neill’s declaration is sequel to an understanding that Iheanacho actually signed a short-term deal with Celtic last summer, when he arrived on a free transfer from Sevilla of Spain, but O’Neill insists a verdict is yet to be made on the player’s future.
It has been an injury-filled campaign for the 29-year-old former Manchester City and Leicester City attacker, who shot into limelight when he emerged as most valuable player at the UAE 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup, which he helped Nigeria win.
Iheanacho made a big impact last Sunday, when he got off Celtic’s bench at Easter Road to score the winner in their 2-1 victory over Hibernian, but O’Neill insists it’s not yet Uhuru, as the out of favour Super Eagles’ star has to prove his fitness.
“What he’s done for us has been terrific, especially recently. The club will weigh up his overall contribution against his injuries over the whole season. Right now, his fitness is the most important thing,5 and he has to keep proving that he’s fit.
“Although he says he’s very young, time does catch up with players—though I think he’s only 29 or 30. If the club keeps him, he would benefit greatly from a proper three or four-week pre-season,” O’Neill submitted.
