Kelechi Iheanacho has struggled for regular game time at Celtic F.C. this year due largely to concerns about his fitness, according to head coach Martin O’Neill.
The 29-year-old Nigerian forward joined the Scottish champions in the summer after ending his contract with Sevilla FC earlier than expected.
Iheanacho made a bright start to life in Glasgow, contributing to three goals in his first four appearances for Celtic.
However, his progress was disrupted by a hamstring injury that forced him off early in a UEFA Europa League match against SK Sturm Graz.
Photo Credit: Celtic/X
The striker later suffered another setback during a league game against St Mirren F.C. in December.
Since returning from those injuries, Iheanacho has featured only sparingly, playing just 59 minutes since the beginning of the year. His most recent appearance came as a brief substitute outing in Celtic’s Europa League meeting with VfB Stuttgart.
O’Neill said the forward’s fitness has remained a concern, although he acknowledged the player’s abilities.
“I don’t think he has played that much during the course of the season, to tell you the truth,” O’Neill said.
“But I think he’s got a good ability to hold it up. It’s just in terms of full fitness and things, that’s a bit of a concern.”
Iheanacho celebrating with Celtic supporters in Belgrade. Photo Credit: Getty Images
The Northern Irish manager also admitted the Nigerian may feel frustrated by the lack of opportunities.
“I do feel for him a little bit, because my job is not to please everyone here at the football club,” he said.
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“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.”
Celtic strengthened their attacking options during the January transfer window while Iheanacho continued his recovery.
Kelechi Iheanacho. Photo Credit: Getty Images
O’Neill added that the situation might have been different if he had worked with the striker during pre-season.
“It might have been a different ball game if I’d had a pre-season,” he said.
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Celtic currently sit third in the Scottish Premiership, eight points behind leaders Heart of Midlothian F.C., although they have a game in hand.
