Celtic resumed their campaign after the international break with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, maintaining their impressive start to the Premiership season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The victory, sealed by debutant Kelechi Iheanacho’s decisive late penalty, lifted Brendan Rodgers’ men back to the top of the table, edging Hearts on goal difference.
Iheanacho who marked his first appearance for the club in dramatic fashion proved to be the difference as his composure from the spot secured all three points for the Hoops.
Speaking to Celtic TV after the match, Rodgers expressed his delight with both the result and the striker’s goalscoring debut, highlighting the significance of Iheanacho’s impact in such a crucial moment.
“And I’m delighted for Kels (Kelechi Iheanacho) because he’s a player who really feeds off confidence and love of coaches and supporters, and that goal will be very important for him.”
“The last penalty I remember him scoring for me was at Wembley when we beat Manchester City in the Community Shield final,” explained Brendan Rodgers, “and he showed great composure to score that day, and he scored again today, so I’m really pleased for him.
'Like I said, he’ll thrive off the support here and the love that they’ll show him when he performs and it’s nice for his confidence.'
By Oluwadamilola Olaleye