Celtic striker Kelechi Iheanacho has insisted his focus remains on the club’s title challenge rather than his own contract situation, following his match-winning goal against Dundee.
The Nigerian forward ended a six-month goal drought with the late strike that secured a 2-1 victory at Dens Park, keeping the champions within three points of Premiership leaders Hearts. His intervention came after replacing the ineffective Tomas Cvancara, who had failed to convert several opportunities before Simon Murray’s penalty cancelled out Yang Hyun-jun’s opener.
Iheanacho’s Parkhead contract expires this summer, though Celtic hold an option to extend for an additional year. When questioned about potential negotiations, the 29-year-old was clear about his priorities. “I think in terms of that, we’re literally focusing now on the games going forward. Anything that concerns the contract will be maybe after the season, after we achieve our goals.”
The former Manchester City and Leicester City striker has endured a frustrating campaign marked by hamstring injuries since arriving as a free agent in September. However, he believes he is now ready to contribute consistently to the run-in. “Obviously when you’re injured as a player it’s really difficult. Sometimes you could put your head down and all that. Obviously, you support your team, but it’s really sad sometimes not getting on the pitch, contributing to the club that signed you. But you just need to keep going and work hard to get your rehab done and get ready to come back stronger to help the team.”
Iheanacho is confident in his physical readiness but accepts selection decisions rest with Martin O’Neill. “I’m sure I’m fit to start games, but obviously it’s up to the manager to pick who he wants to start the games. But I’m really sure I’m perfectly okay to start games.”
The victory was particularly significant given Celtic’s previous struggles in Dundee this season, having lost all three prior meetings. Iheanacho felt the result was deserved despite missed chances. “I think especially in the first half we blew them away. We had a few chances to put away but unfortunately it didn’t click. Second half, they come back in the game and score the pen. But in the end, we got the points which is massive.”
He emphasised the psychological importance of the win. “It would have been scary to drop points because it would have been hard for the rest of the season. It was a great finish so I’m happy. It’s massive, we need to keep winning to get to the end.”