Rodgers Backs Iheanacho To Shine For Celtic

Rodgers Backs Iheanacho To Shine For Celtic

Sampson Adedeji

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has expressed confidence that Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho will only improve as he settles into life with the Scottish champions, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Iheanacho was the hero for the Hoops on Sunday, coolly converting a stoppage-time penalty to seal a dramatic 2-1 victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

“I was really pleased for Kels,” Rodgers said.

“I think the last penalty he took for me was at Wembley, when we beat Man City in the Community Shield, and he tucked that one away too.

“That was a big moment for him with the supporters and everything else. He’s got big moments in him, and once he gets fitter, he’s only going to get better.”

Rodgers revealed that regular penalty taker Arne Engels was off the pitch, while Benji Nygren had wanted to step up, but the manager’s instructions were clear.

“My message was for Kels to take it,” Rodgers added.

“I know the confidence he carries and what a goal like that can do for him. I’m delighted for him and for the team it’s been a long couple of weeks, and that was a big win for us.”