Kelechi Iheanacho sends plea to Celtic fans after win vs St Mirren, Benjamin Nygren reacts
Kelechi Iheanacho has sent a message to Celtic supporters on social media after his brace in their Scottish Cup semi-final win over St Mirren on Sunday.
Iheanacho stepped off the bench to score twice in extra-time at Hampden Park as Celtic emerged with a 6-2 victory to progress to the final against Dunfermline.
The Nigerian striker's first goal saw him rise highest to head James Forrest's cross home and make it 3-2 in the 96th minute, while he scored the Hoops' fifth five minutes later with a composed finish from the edge of the area.
He has now netted six times in 18 appearances for Celtic after dealing with recurring injury issues for the majority of the campaign.
Martin O'Neill could hand him a start in Celtic's next match as they return to Premiership action against Falkirk next weekend.
Kelechi Iheanacho asks Celtic fans to stick with the team ahead of crucial run-in games
Iheanacho's fitness has been questioned throughout the campaign, and his future at Parkhead remains uncertain ahead of the end of his contract in June.
He has not had the desired impact on Celtic's fortunes so far this term, but could be massively important to their Premiership title hopes over the next five games if he stays out of the treatment room.
| Date | Fixture |
| 25 April | Falkirk (H) |
| 3 May | Hibernian (a) |
| 10 May | Rangers (H) |
| 13 May | Motherwell (a) |
| 16 May | Hearts (H) |
| 23 May | Dunfermline Athletic (N) |
The 29-year-old has made no secret of his love for the Hoops supporters, and he penned a message to them after Sunday's win on Instagram.
Iheanacho posted a picture of the celebrations for his first goal against the Saints and wrote: "Thank you, Celtic fans. We will do our absolute best. There will be light at the end. Stay with us."
Celtic teammates Benjamin Nygren, Alistair Johnston, Kieran Tierney and Daizen Maeda each left likes on his post, while international teammate and Fulham star, Calvin Bassey, mocked the resolution of his images by replying: "What kind of picture," with numerous laughing emojis.
How can Celtic seal a contract extension for Iheanacho?
Iheanacho's predatory instincts are plain for all to see, and he possesses abilities in front of goal that have clearly been lacking in Celtic's squad this season.
He recently admitted that he will only think about his contract situation after the season ends, with sources revealing to Football Insider that Iheanacho will only stay at Celtic if they win the Premiership title.
The Hoops' board are only prepared to offer fresh terms to the Nigerian star if he plays a big role in a league title triumph, and so fans should savour every second of him playing ahead of a possible exit in the summer.