Kelechi Iheanacho made an instant impact for Celtic, scoring a stoppage-time winner on his debut to secure a 2-1 victory against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
The 28-year-old Nigeria international only joined the Scottish champions last week following the termination of his contract at Sevilla.
But he wasted no time in making headlines, calmly converting a 95th-minute penalty to restore Celtic to the top of the Premiership table.
After a goalless first half, Celtic broke the deadlock in the 57th minute when Daizen Maeda finished off Marcelo Saracchi’s cross.
Brendan Rodgers’ side looked set to take all three points until Kilmarnock midfielder David Watson struck an equaliser with just seven minutes remaining.
With the game heading for a draw, referee John Beaton awarded Celtic a penalty deep into added time following a VAR review for handball.
Iheanacho, brought on in the 70th minute, stepped up to the spot and fired beyond Max Stryjek to seal a dramatic win.
Iheanacho celebrating his first goal for Celtic. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Speaking afterwards, Iheanacho could not hide his delight.
“It’s the last kick of the game, and I got to take it, so I’m really happy,” he told Celtic’s official website.
“I’m happy for the opportunity, and I could see how the fans felt after that goal. It was a massive three points, and hopefully there are many more to come.”
The forward added that the moment came with pressure, but composure was key: “It’s a great feeling, but at the same time, there’s a lot of pressure with the spot-kick. I just took it with calmness, and we won.”
READ MORE:musa-fires-kano-pillars-past-rangers-as-enyimba-go-top-of-npfl
Iheanacho’s goal was his first in six months, having last scored during a loan spell at Middlesbrough in March.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
His career has seen sharp turns in the past year, with a difficult stint in Spain before reuniting with Rodgers, under whom he enjoyed his best form at Leicester City.
Celtic’s win keeps them level on points with Hearts at the top of the table, ahead on goal difference.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL
Rodgers will now look to build momentum as his side turn their attention to a League Cup tie against Partick Thistle next weekend, where Iheanacho will be pushing for his first start in green and white.
