Super sub Iheanacho boosts Celtic title hopes
Celtic moved level on points with Scottish Premiership leader Hearts, after Kelechi Iheanacho climbed off the bench to snatch a narrow 2-1 win over 10-man Hibernian.
With Hearts not playing until Monday, the Hoops managed to capitalise with Iheanacho settling a nervy clash at Easter Road, where Joe Newell had cancelled out Daizen Maeda's earlier effort.
Hibernian was reduced to 10 men in the 21st minute, with Jamie McGrath given his marching orders after a VAR review, for a late sliding challenge on Alistair Johnston.
The VAR intervened again as Celtic took the lead after 41 minutes. Maeda's finish from a Johnston cross was eventually awarded after he was initially denied by the offside flag.
However, Hibs responded in first-half stoppage time, as Newell turned the ball in after Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo failed to deal with a corner.
Martin O'Neill introduced Iheanacho in the 70th minute as Celtic searched for a winner. The substitute obliged within two minutes, controlling a flicked corner on his chest and steering home to seal a crucial three points in the Hoops' title quest.
Hibernian has seen four players sent off in its last three Scottish Premiership matches, receiving more red cards than it did in its previous 59 games combined.
Celtic has now won four of its last five SPL matches at Easter Road, more than in its previous 15 visits (W3 D8 L4).
As for Hibs, they have suffered three straight SPL defeats for the first time since October 2024, despite Newell ending his near 18-month wait for a goal in the division.
