England-great Gary Lineker weighs in on Iheanacho’s Celtic start

Super Eagles and Celtic forward Kelechi Iheanacho has had a good start to life in Scotland, scoring two goals and providing one assist in three games, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 28-year-old has earned the trust of his teammates right away, even drawing praise from his coach, Brendan Rodgers, who’s backed him to do even more for the Hoops.

Following Iheanacho’s goal against Red Star Belgrade in the UEFA Europa League, former Leicester City forward, Gary Lineker, praised the Nigerian striker.

KELECHI IHEANACHO and BENJAMIN NYGREN celebrate in the Crvena zvezda vs Celtic Glasgow UEFA Europa league match at Rajko Mitic stadium, Belgrade 24.09.2025 — KELECHI IHEANACHO and BENJAMIN NYGREN celebrate in the Crvena zvezda vs Celtic Glasgow UEFA Europa League match at Rajko Mitic stadium, Belgrade, 24.09.2025. Copyright: ImagoxMarkoxMetla

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Lineker and Iheanacho both made history during their time at the King Power Stadium, although across different generations.

Iheanacho’s good start at Celtic Park will be met with a good confidence boost following the comments of the former England striker.

“I’ve seen the highlights, one of our favourites from Leicester, Kelechi Iheanacho scored, I think he will score a lot of goals for Celtic,” the 64-year-old said on The Rest is Football podcast.

“I mean, Brendan Rodgers obviously knows him really well when he managed him at Leicester.

Kelechi Iheanacho celebrating the win. Celtic V Kilmarnock, Scottish Premiership, 14 September 2025 Kilmarnock BBSP Rugby Park Kilmarnock — Kelechi Iheanacho is celebrating the win. Celtic V Kilmarnock, Scottish Premiership, 14 September 2025 Kilmarnock BBSP Rugby Park Kilmarnock. [Photo Credit/ IMAGO xLiamxChester].

“He’s a very, very good finisher, Kelechi, and I think in the Scottish League he will bag a lot of goals.”

“When he’s on it, he’s streaky. He’s a natural goalscorer, and his movement is mature.

“We liked him at Leicester. He was always happy and had a good attitude, even when he was left out. Maybe that’s why he’s not realised that potential we all thought he would hit,” Lineker concluded.

Former Manchester City full-back Micah Richards, also joined in on the rodeo, being Iheanacho’s former teammate.

“I was with him at Manchester City, and he was a nine, and if I’m being totally honest, I expected a little more. That’s how good I thought he was going to be.

“Perhaps not Champions League football in this country, but I thought he could be a striker in a top-five club, given his outstanding composure for the goal.

“He had his chance at Manchester City, started scoring some goals, and then Leicester paid a lot of money for him. I think it was a record sale at the time for City, but it just has not worked out.

Aston Villa vs Manchester City. Kelechi Iheanacho comes in hard on defender Micah Richards for the ball. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

“He’s now at Celtic, and it looks like he’s got his confidence back, so what a platform to show that as well,” the CBS Sports Golazo pundit concluded.

Up next for the Hoops is their SPFL home game against Hibernian on Saturday. They’re currently top of the Scottish domestic league.

Source: Soccernet