‘I Don’t Know How I Did That’: Iheanacho Reveals Nerves Before Title-Saving Penalty

Kelechi Iheanacho admitted he still cannot explain how he handled the pressure after firing Celtic back into the Premiership title race with a dramatic stoppage-time penalty at Fir Park.

With the score level and the season hanging in the balance, the striker stepped up in the 98th minute knowing one kick could decide Celtic’s fate.

Earlier, Celtic had surrendered a second-half lead when Liam Gordon struck late for Motherwell, leaving Hearts poised to take a huge advantage into Saturday’s final-day clash at Celtic Park.

But when Auston Trusty won a penalty deep into added time, Iheanacho seized the responsibility.

Focused solely on the ball, Iheanacho drilled his effort low into the corner before racing toward the travelling support as teammates and staff poured onto the pitch in celebration.

The victory means Martin O’Neill’s side now trail Hearts by just one point heading into Saturday’s showdown. Only a win at Celtic Park will secure the title, as Hearts’ superior goal difference, boosted by their 3-0 win over Falkirk, makes a draw insufficient.

After the match, Iheanacho spoke candidly about the tension surrounding the penalty and his mindset in those crucial seconds.

He told Sky Sports: ‘To be fair, I don’t have words and I don’t know how I did that but we’ve done it.

As you can see the fans are still shouting and we’re happy.

Once we have one more to go we need to just get back now and focus on that one.

I think first of all I just remember that I’ve thought this type of thing before and I just kept cool and brave.

It’s scary to be fair but I don’t know what I was thinking.

Thank God we got the win today so we’re happy.’