Celtic Captain McGregor Backs Kelechi Iheanacho to Shine at Parkhead

Celtic skipper Callum McGregor has thrown his support behind new signing Kelechi Iheanacho, tipping the Nigerian forward to make an instant impact at the Scottish champions.

Iheanacho, 28, joined Celtic on a free transfer two weeks ago, stepping in as a direct replacement for Adam Idah, who sealed a deadline-day move to Swansea City.

The striker endured a frustrating spell at Sevilla in the first half of last season before moving on loan to Middlesbrough, where he managed just one goal in 15 league appearances.

Despite that dip in form, McGregor is optimistic about what Iheanacho brings to Celtic’s attack.

“We’ve added a top striker (Iheanacho), albeit he’s not played so much, but the early signs are good,” the captain told the club’s official website.

Opinion: A Chance at Redemption for Iheanacho

For many, Iheanacho’s move to Celtic may feel like a career reset. Once tipped as one of Nigeria’s most lethal attacking prospects, the forward has endured stop-start spells across Europe. But in Glasgow, under the guidance of a strong dressing room and with the relentless support of the Celtic faithful, he may finally find the consistency that has long eluded him.

Celtic have a history of reviving careers—players like Odsonne Édouard and Moussa Dembélé thrived in the Hoops and used the platform to propel themselves onto bigger stages. If Iheanacho can rediscover his confidence and sharpness, he could follow a similar path.

What makes this particularly exciting is McGregor’s endorsement. The Celtic captain doesn’t hand out praise lightly, and his backing suggests Iheanacho has already impressed behind the scenes. For fans, this could be a sign that the Nigerian forward is ready to repay their faith with goals.

For Iheanacho, this is more than just another transfer—it’s an opportunity to silence doubters, ignite his career, and perhaps even remind Europe of the talent that once lit up the Premier League.