Iheanacho gets Celtic boost

Kelechi Iheanacho's prospects at Celtic have significantly improved after the club appointed Martin O'Neill as their permanent manager. This decision is expected to bolster the Nigerian striker's chances of extending his stay at the Scottish club, where he has been making a notable impact since joining in September 2025. O'Neill's faith in Iheanacho during the previous season has laid a solid foundation for the striker's future at Celtic Park. Iheanacho's current contract, which he signed after leaving Sevilla as a free agent, is set to expire on June 30, 2026. However, Celtic holds the option to extend this agreement for another year. The club is currently in the process of finalizing its squad for the upcoming season, which includes defending their title and competing in European tournaments. The timing of O'Neill's appointment is crucial, as he has already demonstrated a strong belief in Iheanacho's abilities, often relying on him during critical matches. Throughout the last season, Iheanacho proved to be a key player for Celtic, scoring crucial goals that helped the team secure a domestic double, winning both the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish Cup. His contributions included a decisive penalty against Motherwell, a match-winning goal against Hibernian, and a goal in the Scottish Cup final. Despite limited starting opportunities, his ability to influence games from the bench has made him a fan favorite. With O'Neill now firmly in charge, Iheanacho has begun specialized fitness training in preparation for the pre-season. His ambition is to secure a more regular starting position should he remain at Celtic. The combination of O'Neill's leadership and the board's strategic decisions regarding the squad suggests that Iheanacho's chances of continuing his career in Glasgow are stronger than ever before.