Celtic Title Hopes Revived as Iheanacho Emerges, While Hearts and Rangers Face Scrutiny
Kelechi Iheanacho’s late winner at Dundee has thrust the Nigerian striker into the spotlight as Celtic’s potential title saviour, while weekend results have intensified scrutiny on rivals Hearts and Rangers.
The Record Sport jury assessed the key questions emerging from another dramatic weekend in the Scottish Premiership race.
On Iheanacho’s impact, Craig Swan believes the 29-year-old must now deliver consistently. “Celtic need one of their strikers to stick a hand up and he did it at Dens Park yesterday afternoon. It’s now about him doing it regularly.” Gavin Berry was more definitive, contrasting Iheanacho’s contribution with Tomas Cvancara’s struggles. “It was a woeful performance from the starting striker and the Nigerian, even apart from his goal, made a huge difference when he came on. He has to be the man to lead the line in the coming weeks.” Keith Jackson acknowledged Iheanacho’s natural finishing ability but raised fitness concerns. “Yesterday’s winner at Dens Park was perfectly poached and it came after misfiring Tomas Cvancara proved why he can’t be trusted to lead Celtic’s attack in the run-in.”
Hearts’ 2-2 draw at Livingston divided opinion. Swan viewed it as two points carelessly dropped after establishing control at 2-1. Berry agreed, noting “it was definitely two points dropped and it was crazy after Claudio Braga headed them in front. The Jambos lost control and they have cranked the pressure up another notch on themselves.” Jackson described the result as “head-scratching” given their dominance, suggesting Hearts should have won by four or five goals.
Rangers’ ascent to the summit after more than two years prompted mixed assessments. Swan noted defensive shakiness but highlighted their attacking potency. “Rangers were shaky defensively against Dundee United, but, with eight in two games, there’s goals in the team at just the right time to go and win it.” Berry questioned their championship credentials. “Probably not but we have to take into account how bonkers this season is. They still look liable to give away cheap goals as they did on Saturday but they are grinding out wins.” Jackson characterised them as “a work in progress” who “just might stumble over the line in first place.”
The panel also addressed Aberdeen’s alarming slide toward the relegation play-offs, with all three agreeing the Dons face a precarious future after ten league games without victory.