Kelechi Iheanacho enjoyed a dream start to his Celtic career as he struck in stoppage time to hand the Scottish champions a 2-1 win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Sunday.
The Nigeria international, who joined Brendan Rodgers’ side this summer, came off the bench in the 70th minute and proved to be the match-winner with virtually the last kick of the game.
Celtic made a strong start and dominated possession in the opening stages, going close early on.
Their pressure was rewarded early in the second half when Daizen Maeda broke the deadlock.
However, Kilmarnock grew into the contest and were back on level terms in the 83rd minute when David Watson fired home, sending the home support into raptures.
The game looked set to finish all square until late drama unfolded. Following a VAR review, referee John Beaton pointed to the spot for a handball inside the box.
Iheanacho, showing no nerves on his debut, stepped up and smashed his left-footed effort high into the net to secure all three points for Rodgers’ men.
Speaking after the match, the 28-year-old was thrilled to mark his debut with such an important goal.
“I’m really happy. It was the last kick of the game and I got to take it, so it’s a great feeling,” he told Celtic TV.
“There was a lot of pressure, but I stayed composed. The three points are massive and hopefully there are many more to come.”
The result maintains Celtic’s unbeaten start to the Scottish Premiership campaign and provides Rodgers with a valuable boost as the champions continue their title defence.
