Kelechi Iheanacho marked his Celtic debut with a match-winning goal in stoppage time against Kilmarnock.
The former Leicester City man fired in from the penalty spot in a 2-1 victory that keeps the Scottish Premiership holders top of the table.
Celtic controversially won the spot-kick for handball by Lewis Mayo – despite the ball taking a deflection and striking him from close range.
“The penalty was awarded for handball by the Kilmarnock defender whose arm is in an unnatural position,” the Scottish FA said after.
“A deflection doesn’t always negate a handball offence. He doesn’t know where ball is going and his arm is up in an unnatural position to block a shot.”
Iheanacho was tasked with the effort from 12 yards and smashed in the winner with a powerful effort the flew past Max Stryjek.
The goal was the 28-year-old’s first since March 29 when he netted for Middlesbrough in their 2-1 Championship win over Oxford United.
Amid the triumphant start to life at Celtic, Iheanacho donned a shirt that had his surname incorrectly spelt on the back.
‘Iheancho’ it read, although it’s unlikely to concern the striker given his debut performance.
He joined Celtic earlier this month on a one-year contract following his release by Sevilla.
Iheanacho’s move has come just a year after his exit from Leicester, for whom he netted 61 goals in 232 appearances.
The forward was part of their FA Cup winning side in 2021 and named Player of the Year for the 2022/23 campaign.
Iheanacho’s debut shirt had a printing error in his nameAnd he will now be looking to keep his momentum going forward for the Hoops.
Speaking of his delight at his debut goal, Iheanacho told Sky Sports: “Big drama, big drama. [Sebastian Tounekti] made the difference in first half and second half.
“Three points, massive. I asked the skipper to let me take the penalty and he said it was fine.
“It’s very, very important to make my mark on my debut. Hopefully more to come.”
Celtic continue unbeaten title defence
A shock Champions League exit to FC Kairat will have overshadowed their start to the 2025/26 season.
But Celtic are set to battle for a fifth consecutive Scottish Premiership title throughout the rest of the campaign.
Rodgers’ side sit top of the table on goal difference following the opening five matchesGettyVictories have come against St. Mirren, Aberdeen, Livingston and Kilmarnock, with just one goal being conceded.
Celtic are top with 13 points and ahead of Hearts on goal difference, whilst their bitter rivals Rangers are winless in tenth.
The two sides drew 0-0 before the international break but Rangers were beaten 2-0 at home to Hearts on Saturday.
Russell Martin was once again met with boos at Ibrox after his dismal start at the Scottish giants continued.
Some fans were heard chanting ‘Martin, get to f***’, as well as ‘Sacked in the morning’.
Rangers are nine points behind Celtic and have scored just three goals in their first five fixtures.
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