'What a first touch' - Former Everton forward blown away by Iheanacho's sublime finish for Celtic

Former Everton forward James McFadden has praised Kelechi Iheanacho’s remarkable first touch and composed finish during Celtic’s 1-1 draw against Red Star Belgrade in the UEFA Europa League.

Iheanacho, who joined Celtic as a free agent in the summer, came off the bench to break the deadlock at the Rajko Mitic Stadium.

The Nigerian forward latched onto a precise pass from Benjamin Nygren, controlled the ball superbly near the penalty spot, and calmly slotted into the far corner.

Reacting on BBC Sportsound, McFadden highlighted the quality of Iheanacho’s technique. 

"First of all, what a first touch it is, he kills it dead and then reverses it into the far corner," he stated. 

"It comes from Yang being high and wide and Donovan picking the ball up and driving into space. The first touch makes it, it's incredible. A really composed finish, too."

Iheanacho has enjoyed a bright start to life in Scotland after joining Celtic on a free transfer in the summer. 

The 28-year-old has already contributed two goals and an assist in his first three appearances across all competitions.

Following a difficult spell at Sevilla and Middlesbrough last season, the Nigerian forward will be eager to sustain this impressive run, with hopes of regaining top form and earning a recall to the Super Eagles ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin.

Adeyemi Adewale

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com