Kelechi Iheanacho came off the bench to help Celtic secure a vital point against Crvena Zvezda.
Iheanacho was introduced at halftime, replacing Daizen Maeda. Just ten minutes later, he found the back of net.
Benjamin Nygren laid a precise pass to the Nigerian who then controlled it expertly and fired a clinical shot into the net, leaving Matheus with no chance.
However, the Serbian side responded swiftly. Marko Arnautovic pulled them level in the 65th minute, ensuring the points were shared on the night.
Kelechi Iheanacho displayed excellent link up play, completed 34 passes, and made a key pass into the final third.
Also read: Debut Hero! Iheanacho Strikes Late to Hand Celtic Dramatic Win
The forward now has two goals and one assist in three appearances for the Scottish champions.
With Daizen Maeda struggling for form, possibly due to his failed summer move Brendan Rodgers may be tempted to make Iheanacho the starting striker.
Rodgers was full of praise for the striker in his post match press conference.
“I could have made a couple of changes at half-time. I wanted to make that one certainly to give us that greater reference at the top of the pitch. I thought Kels coming in was very, very good for us.
“We needed someone centrally to hold the ball up. I felt that we arrived into the final third in the first half and then we were either loose with the ball or didn’t hold the ball up. It’s one of Kels’ great strengths. He can take the ball in, he can use his body well and obviously allows you to progress up the pitch. So he gave us a really much better platform in the second half.”
Celtic will now turn their attention to the league, where they will welcome Hibernian to Celtic Park.
