Kelechi Iheanacho made history during his time in the English Premier League with Leicester City, winning the FA Cup and the FA Community Shield…
Former Wolverhampton Wanderers and Scotland centre-back Charles Mulgrew has backed Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho to be an instant hit at Celtic Park, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 28-year-old left Seville on a free deal despite having two years left on his contract. The ex-Leicester City man was convinced he had no future in Spain, and reached an agreement with the Europa League veterans to mutually terminate his contract.
Iheanacho then signed for Celtic on a one-year deal, with the option to extend for another season included in the deal.
Mulgrew is confident in Iheanacho‘s abilities
The Hoops' decision to sign the former Manchester City forward has left their fan base divided. Still, Mulgrew, who played over 200 games for the one-time UEFA Champions League winners, revealed Iheanacho's pedigree should clear any doubt.
“Because Iheanacho never came in on deadline day, and then he comes in the next day – a striker was needed, and then he comes in.
“So now he’s in the door, and people then look at when he played last, what shape is he in?” the 39-year-old said in quotes revealed by Record Sport.
“There are a couple of pictures of him circulating on social media, but he’ll be judged on the pitch, that’s what happens.”
Big man looking sharp and not fat pic.twitter.com/lPrgpt8fB7
— ™️ (@CFC_jamesy) September 5, 2025
Ultimately, the five-time SPFL winner opined that Iheanacho's performances on the pitch will determine if the club's decision to bring him in was right or wrong.
“I’m sure he’ll want to play. He’s still in his 20s, he’ll be aiming to come here and give everything he’s got because he realises what it is to play here and realises the size of this club, and he’ll get an opportunity to bounce back.
“On paper, it looks like a great signing. When he gets fit and gets back up to match speed, I don’t know how long it’ll take, but you’d imagine he can be a great asset.
“Brendan Rodgers has worked with him closely, so he knows what type of player he is, knows what type of professional he is.”
“Remember, he used to play him ahead of Vardy, so that tells you what kind of standard Brendan rates him.
“The fact Celtic have got him is a great coup, he just needs to get fit and ready to go, and you imagine he’ll score goals,” the ex-Wigan man concluded.
Iheanacho could make his debut for Celtic on Sunday, 14th September, when the Hoops travel to the BBSP Stadium, Rugby Park to take on Kilmarnock.
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has backed Iheanacho to return to his best after the striker mentioned he wants to win silverware with the one-time UEFA Champions League winners.
