Celtic head coach Martin O'Neill has revealed why Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho has struggled for gametime since the turn of the year, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 29-year-old joined the record Scottish Champions during the summer transfer window after terminating a three-year contract with Sevilla after just one season.
While he had a brilliant start with the Hoops, recording three goal contributions in four games, Iheanacho's hamstring problem has hindered him from further progress.
Four minutes into the UEFA Europa League clash against Sturm Graz, he had to be taken off, and after recuperating, he suffered the same fate against St Mirren two weeks into the month of December.
Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!
Upon subsequent injuries, Celtic opted to exercise patience with the ex-Manchester City striker. As such, he's played just 59 minutes since the turn of the year, with the most recent cameo coming in their UEFA Europa League clash against VfB Stuttgart.
Why Kelechi Iheanacho hasn't played much since the turn of the year
Due to Iheanacho's injury problems, Celtic opted for reinforcements during the winter transfer window. The Nigerian's deal with the Hoops is just for a year, and his fitness issues have not given the club enough reason to renew his contract.
Martin O'Neill, who's in charge of the one-time UEFA Champions League temporarily, revealed he understands why the Nigerian might be disappointed with his lack of playing time.
“I don't think he [Iheanacho] has played that much during the course of the season, to tell you the truth. But I think he's got a good ability to hold it up,” the 74-year-old said in quotes revealed by the Daily Record.
“It's just in terms of full fitness and things, that’s a bit of a concern. I do feel for him a little bit, because my job is not to please everyone here at the football club.
“To be perfectly honest, I don't think he's had a proper chance, because I thought there were other people who may be better equipped for this league at this minute.
“It might have been a different ball game if I'd had a pre-season,” the Northern Irishman concluded.
Celtic are currently third on the SPFL table, eight points behind league leaders, Hearts, although they have a game in hand.
