Kelechi Iheanacho’s bid for a hat-trick was thwarted as Celtic settled for a goalless draw against Hibernian at Celtic Park on Saturday.
The Nigerian striker, handed his first Scottish Premiership start by manager Brendan Rodgers, came close to making a decisive impact but was ultimately denied by fine goalkeeping and a late VAR offside ruling.Iheanacho’s efforts included a 21st-minute shot that rattled the upright and a powerful strike forced into a save by Hibernian goalkeeper Martin Boyle.
In the 67th minute, he thought he had broken the deadlock, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review ruled him offside.“It’s frustrating for him not to get the goals, especially after the chances he created,” Rodgers said after the match. “Kels will probably be disappointed he didn’t score maybe a couple of goals but he was good overall and offered a reference point for the team.”Iheanacho was substituted shortly after the disallowed goal, making way for Benjamin Nygren as Celtic pushed for a winner that never came.Since joining Celtic as a free agent, Iheanacho has recorded two goals and one assist in three appearances, showing promising form.
The forward will be eager to regain his scoring rhythm when Celtic face Portuguese side Braga in the UEFA Europa League next week.“Iheanacho has the quality and mentality to bounce back quickly,” Rodgers added.Celtic fans and Nigerian supporters will hope this draw is just a minor setback in Iheanacho’s promising start to life at the club.
