Celtic legend suggests local talent over Super Eagles star
Celtic icon Peter Grant has voiced his opinion that the club should have pursued Hibernian’s Kieran Bowie instead of signing Nigerian international Kelechi Iheanacho during the transfer window.
Kelechi Iheanacho has been in fnine form for Celtic. || Image credit: Imago
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The Hoops brought in Iheanacho as a free agent to fill the void left by last season’s top scorer, Adam Idah, who departed for Swansea.
The Nigerian striker, who had terminated his contract with La Liga side Sevilla, made an immediate impact with two goals and an assist in his first three appearances.
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However, his form has since cooled, with only one goal in his subsequent five matches before a minor injury sidelined him for the past two weeks.
Iheanacho’s arrival was met with some surprise, and his recent dip in form has coincided with a challenging period for the club.
Celtic currently find themselves in second place in the Premiership table, having secured 20 points from their opening ten fixtures. Their attack has been less potent than usual, managing just 16 goals, a figure considered low by their high standards.
What Grant said
Speaking on the team’s struggles, former Celtic midfielder Peter Grant argued that the forward line lacks balance, noting that Iheanacho is left-footed, similar to many of the team’s other attackers.
Grant also expressed his belief that Bowie possesses superior finishing abilities.
“I still think there were players here in Scotland that you could have made your team better with. There is no doubt in my mind,” Grant stated, as reported by 67hailhail.
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“See on deadline day. I would have made a go for Bowie at Hibs. If you are thinking right, I have lost a striker. I am going to pay a few bob for him, because this kid is going to get better. He is strong. He is Scottish, and he can play in the Scottish game. He has proved it.”
“Something like that. You don’t need analytics to tell you this kid could be your goalscorer,” he added.
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This season, Bowie has registered three goals and one assist in 11 league games for Hibernian. In comparison, Iheanacho has scored two goals in four fewer appearances for Celtic.
