Kelechi Iheanacho did not need many words to capture where Celtic are right now.
The Nigerian striker was the match-winner at Easter Road on Sunday, coming off the bench to score the goal that kept Celtic right in the thick of a title race that refuses to settle down.
Later that night, Iheanacho took to social media with a picture of himself celebrating in front of the travelling Celtic support.
His message was short, but it landed.
“Stay with us, almost done.”
Nothing has come easy this season. Not the performances, not the momentum, and certainly not the title race. But Celtic are still standing, and after Sunday’s 2-1 win over Hibernian, they now have three league games left with the possibility of still ending this chaotic campaign as champions.
Iheanacho’s winner arrived in the second half after Celtic had again made life difficult for themselves. Daizen Maeda had put the Hoops ahead before Joe Newell levelled for Hibs in first-half stoppage time, leaving Martin O’Neill’s side with work to do despite the hosts being down to ten men.
That is where Iheanacho came in.
The striker has not had the smoothest spell at Celtic, but big moments change the mood quickly. His finish at Easter Road was not just another goal. It was another a season-shaping contribution at a ground where Celtic simply could not afford to blink.
There has been plenty of frustration around Celtic’s forward options this season, and supporters have had every right to question whether the club did enough in the market. Yet in the space of a few crucial weeks, Iheanacho has started to produce when the pressure is at its highest.
That is all fans ask for at this stage.
With three games to go, Celtic know the margins are tiny. Rangers and Hearts face each other later on Monday, and once that result comes in, the picture will become much clearer for the Bhoys.
A draw would suit Celtic nicely. A win either way would change the pressure again. But the only thing Martin O’Neill’s side can truly control is their own final stretch.
Sunday was not polished. It was not convincing for long spells. But it was a win, and at this stage of a title race, that is all that survives the final whistle.
Iheanacho’s message felt like a plea and a promise rolled into one.
Stay with us.
Almost done.
