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O’Neill uncertain over Iheanacho’s future

From The Punch · () English

Summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Celtic interim head coach Martin O’Neill expressed uncertainty regarding striker Kelechi Iheanacho's future at the club.
  • O’Neill stated he is not in a position to make promises about player contracts due to the ambiguity surrounding his own permanent role.
  • Iheanacho, who joined Celtic last summer, became a popular figure despite limited playing time, scoring crucial goals as the team won the league and Scottish Cup.

Kelechi Iheanacho's future at Celtic remains uncertain, with interim head coach Martin O’Neill offering little assurance to the Super Eagles striker. O’Neill admitted he cannot make promises about player contracts, citing the ambiguity surrounding his own position as the club's permanent manager.

Iheanacho joined the Scottish champions last summer as a free agent. Despite facing injuries and losing his starting position, he became a fan favorite. He scored important goals as a substitute, notably in Celtic's Scottish Cup final victory against Dunfermline Athletic, contributing to their league title and cup double.

Despite limited game time, the 29-year-old forward has expressed his desire to remain at Celtic Park. "I love the supporters, I love them all," Iheanacho was quoted as saying. "Everyone in the streets of Glasgow, people recognise me. I am happy. The whole of Glasgow is a great city. Hopefully, I will be here next season. I am really happy to wear a Celtic shirt and to play for them with all my heart."

I love the supporters, I love them all. Everyone in the streets of Glasgow, people recognise me. I am happy. The whole of Glasgow is a great city. Hopefully, I will be here next season. I am really happy to wear a Celtic shirt and to play for them with all my heart.

· Kelechi IheanachoThe Nigerian striker expresses his happiness and desire to stay at Celtic beyond the current season.

However, O’Neill, who is in discussions with principal shareholder Dermot Desmond about his permanent role, indicated he has no influence over player contract decisions. "Iheanacho keeps asking me! 'What do you think, are they going to keep me on?'" O’Neill told the Scotsman. "I have no idea, mate. Don’t ask me, I am not the manager anymore."

Iheanacho signed a one-year deal with an option for an additional year. It remains unclear whether Celtic will exercise this option to extend his stay.

Iheanacho keeps asking me! ‘What do you think, are they going to keep me on?’ I have no idea, mate. Don’t ask me, I am not the manager anymore. This morning again, he stopped me in the lift. ‘Are you staying on?’ I have no idea, can you just concentrate on the game this afternoon!

· Martin O’NeillThe interim Celtic head coach reveals his inability to answer Iheanacho's questions about his future at the club.
About this summary

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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