Celtic boss, Brendan Rodgers, is confident he can restore Nigerian international, Kelechi Iheanacho to his best form.
Rodgers previously coached the Nigerian forward during their time together at Leicester City, and the pair have now reunited at Celtic Park.
Iheanacho joined the Scottish Premiership champions on a free transfer earlier this month and has already impressed with a goal and an assist in his first two outings for the Hoops.
Rodgers’ Faith in Iheanacho
The Super Eagles striker endured a difficult spell at Sevilla and was loaned out to Middlesbrough for the latter half of last season.
Rodgers, however, believes he can unlock Iheanacho’s potential once again.
“I know what he needs to work on and obviously that goal last week will do him the world of good,” Rodgers told BBC Radio Scotland.
“But the reality is, if he was still at the level of which he can play at, he wouldn’t be at Celtic. That’s the reality.
“But he’s just had that dip for the last 18 months, couple of years. But he’s still young. So can we reinvigorate him?
“And he obviously knows coming to Celtic, and he knows how I work and hopefully we can maximise his talent.”
Addressing Fitness Concerns
Following Iheanacho’s arrival, speculation swirled online about his fitness. The 28-year-old was named in Celtic’s starting XI for the Premier Sports Cup clash with Thistle on Sunday, and Rodgers moved quickly to dismiss any doubts.
“His (Iheanacho) actual fitness is really good. He’s one of the leanest players in our squad, but maybe the football fitness where he hasn’t maybe played as much,” Rodgers explained.
“But what do I know is his talent. I worked with him for just over four years, so I know the ability that he has.
“And, okay, the last 18 months for him has maybe not gone how he would want, but we’re hoping that by coming to here, coming to a club, a special club like Celtic, can get him firing again.”
