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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Blair Meikle

Celtic star has done so well but I don't want to see him stay at the club

Celtic's Kelechi Iheanacho (Image: Robert Perry)

Kelechi Iheanacho has played a key part in Celtic's title run-in, but Stiliyan Petrov doesn't want to see him handed a new contract.

While he didn't score, the striker helped turn Saturday's decider with Hearts in his team's favour when he came on at half-time. He had scored three in his previous six league games to keep their chase of the then-leaders up.

Iheanacho has mostly been used as a sub since returning from injury in March, almost always having a big impact from the bench. Martin O'Neill resisted the clamour to star him amid fitness concerns.

The Nigerian was only handed a one-year deal when he signed at the end of last summer and his future is up in the air. Petrov, while accepting of the role he has performed, wouldn't offer him the chance to stay on.


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Speaking on The Scottish Football Social Club, the club hero was asked if Iheanacho should be given a new deal.

He said: “Sorry, no. You need a striker who can compete all season, who is fit all season, who is ready, who is mobile.

“You know what? He’s done so well. For me, with what Celtic stands for, they have to go for something different. Something more powerful.

“That’s the way it is, unfortunately, at a big club. I don’t think Iheanacho is the answer for the future.”

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