Martin O’Neill praised Kelechi Iheanacho after Celtic fought back to beat St. Mirren 6-2 after extra time and reach the Scottish Cup final.
Celtic looked in full control early in the match at Hampden Park, taking a 2-0 lead through Daizen Maeda and Anthony Ralston.
However, St. Mirren responded in the second half as Mikael Mandron scored to reduce the gap. He then struck again in stoppage time to make it 2-2 and force extra time.
Celtic took charge in the added 30 minutes, scoring four more goals to seal a 6-2 victory. Iheanacho was the star, scoring twice, while Luke McGowan and Benjamin Nygren also found the net.
After the match, O’Neill praised the Nigerian forward for his impact.
“Kelechi has had a great career,” he said. “He has had injury problems, but he looks sharp and wants to do well. I have praised him a lot in the dressing room.”
Celtic will now face Dunfermline Athletic in next month’s final.
The game will see O’Neill come up against Neil Lennon, his former player, in a repeat of the 2007 final which Dunfermline lost 1-0.
O’Neill said Iheanacho’s goal in extra time changed the game.
“We found something in extra time, and his goal gave us belief again,” he added.
Celtic’s strong finish ensured they moved into the final in style after an exciting eight-goal match.
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