Iheanacho Grabs Brace as Celtic Qualify for Scottish Cup Final

Duro Ikhazuagbe 

Nigerian international forward, Kelechi Iheanacho, grabbed a brace in extra time  last night as Celtic defeated St. Mirren 6-2 to qualify for the final of the Scottish Cup.

‘Senior Man’ as Iheanacho is fondly called by his fans, came off the bench with barely seven minutes to end of regulation time, with St. Mirren coming back from two goals down to tie the game 2-2.

Six minutes into the first half of the extra time, Iheanacho rose highest at the near post to head home a cross. He then got his brace in the 100th minute, when he curled home a stunning strike from just inside the box.

In all, four goals by Celtic in the space of seven minutes in the extra time qualified the Scottish giants for the final of the Cup competition to be played May 23. 

While It is Celtic’s fourth straight Scottish Cup final in four seasons, the two goals scored by the former Super Eagles forward moved his total haul for the season to six since arriving from Sevilla last September.

Speaking to Celtic FC media after his heroics, Iheanacho thanked the fans for their support, while urging them to continue supporting the team as they gun for their  43rd Scottish Cup trophy next month against Dunfermline Athletic.

“We’re happy to go through to the final. We’re looking forward to the final. Thank you for your support today. Come out in the final to support us again,” ‘Senior Man’ gushed with excitement.