Ex-West Brom midfielder explains why Iheanacho’s fitness is vital to Celtic’s title hopes

Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho scored the winner for Celtic in their clash against Dundee as they closed the gap at the top of the SPFL table, Soccernet.ng reports.

It was only the 29-year-old's seventh league game for the Hoops in a season that has been largely underwhelming due to his hamstring problems. Still, ex-Celtic midfielder Scott Allan believes his return is the most important thing for Martin O'Neill's men in their title chase.

Celtic are currently 3rd on the SPFL table, three points behind table toppers Rangers, with one game left to play before the play-offs begin.

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Scott Allan highlights Iheanacho's importance to Celtic's title challenge

Despite only playing under 90 minutes since the start of March, Allan believes the timing of the recovery of the ex-Manchester City striker is a big advantage for the Hoops.

Celtic brought in Tomas Cvancara from Borussia Monchengladbach in the January transfer window, but the Czech forward has yet to score more league goals than Iheanacho despite playing more games.

“The substitute's contribution was an example of the clinical finishing that makes him the ideal first choice, Allan told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

“I think if you can keep Iheanacho fit, that's the million-dollar question,” he said.

“Sometimes you see him, then you don't see him for another three weeks. But if he is fit, he's the most instinctive and best finisher they have in that number nine position.

“I think you see that at Dundee, the times that Cvancara does have real chances and has half chances, he's not a killer.

“He doesn't look like he's got real conviction in his finishing, and that's why he's had a loan deal here. He comes to Celtic, it's a stopgap, and you're hoping.

“But for me, Iheanacho, if they can keep him fit, has to lead the line. He links the game better for Celtic as well as for me.

“Even the goal he scores, it's the little cute things, a cute nudge, just to put Ryan Astley off balance and then on the swivel.

“There's no thought process, it's just instinctive striker play,” the 34-year-old concluded.

Iheanacho has also been tipped to make a magical return to Eric Chelle's squad at the end of the season by coach Martin O'Neill, but that'll only happen if he stays fit.