Premier Sports Cup Final, St Mirren v Celtic – Nancy has got to start Iheanacho

Kelechi Iheanacho has got to start tomorrow, as Wilfried Nancy needs to go with a players who can deliver for Celtic…

One positive to take from Thursday night’s thumping by Roma was the performance of Kelechi Iheanacho, who made his long awaited comeback as a second half substitute. The Nigerian striker added some fresh energy and impetus into a side devoid of any real spark or cutting edge, as we looked a more potent attacking threat than we did in the first period.

The former Manchester City and Leicester man missed a glaring opportunity, whilst having an effort ruled out for offside as he made his presence known to a Roma defence who had previously had their slippers on such was our toothless attacking threat in the first forty five.

Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic scores but it's ruled out for offside — Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic scores his team a goal as Mile Svilar of AS Roma fails to make a save, which is disallowed following a VAR review during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between Celtic FC and AS Roma at Celtic Park on December 11, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

For me Kelechi is the man who should lead the forward line our all important Premier Sports Cup final clash with St Mirren at Hampden tomorrow afternoon

Kelechi’s all round game is impressive, and he’s currently the best centre forward we have on our books, which says a lot about our squad depth, but it’s a fact.

Daizen Maeda is a superb player and gives us everything, but he’s not an out-and-out centre forward, and with his mind perhaps not being fully focused due to his desire to move on, Kelechi Iheanacho should be the main man in the striking role not just for Sunday, but going forward.

I’m not suggesting that Daizen should be benched, far from it. The Japanese international is still a valuable asset to the side, but would be well served playing in his strongest position which is on the left hand side of the attack.

Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s first goal, which was later ruled out during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between Celtic FC and SC Braga at Celtic Park on October 02, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

We need our strongest players playing in their favoured positions, and Kelechi Iheanacho is a better all round and more threatening player in the centre of the attack. It makes perfect sense to utilise his ability in the area, which will only be of great benefit to the side.

To give ourselves a decent chance of winning tomorrow, then Kelechi Iheanacho has got to be in the starting XI. I’d be surprised if he wasn’t.

As far as the starting XI goes I reckon that Wilfried Nancy should go for this team…

Sinisalo; Donovan, Trusty, Scales, Tierney; McGregor (c), Engels, Hatate, Yang, Iheanacho and Maeda.

Doubt that’s how our new manager will see it but regardless the important thing is Celtic winning the match.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

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