Alistair Johnston was quick to highlight Kelechi Iheanacho’s impact after Celtic’s late win over Hibernian at Easter Road.
That is where Iheanacho thrives. While others had been linking play around the area, he stayed central and waited for the right chance to fall.
When it came, he took it calmly. A loose ball from a corner dropped in a crowded area, but his touch set it and the finish followed without panic.
Johnston had a clear view of it from behind and has seen that level of composure up close.
He said: (TCW), “Kelechi’s heart rate, I don’t think ever gets above 60 beats per minute. How long he let that ball come down to his foot – it felt like time stopped. But that’s Kels.
“And again, that’s what that quality can bring. And that’s what we have in this squad. We’ve got players that have played at really high levels and have that kind of quality.
“So it’s amazing to be able to bring a player like that off the bench. Just cool, calm, composed.
“He’s a bit of an iceman. That was obviously a massive goal for us. There’s no beating around the bush with that.”
Celtic’s attack changes when Iheanacho is on the pitch. The tempo slows slightly around him, but the focus shifts to control in tight spaces and finishing from close range.
The goal showed that. He did not rush the moment. He waited, brought it under control, and picked his spot.
Johnston’s point about quality ties into the wider squad. Celtic have options who can affect games in different ways, and that matters in matches like this.
With three games left, those moments will likely decide where the title goes.
