Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers' 'massively important' in Kelechi Iheanacho's career

New Celtic signing Kelechi Iheanacho has hailed Brendan Rodgers as “massively important” to him, and says the Northern Irishman’s man-management is second to none.

Iheanacho signed for Celtic on a one-year contract after the transfer deadline, having been released by Sevilla to allow him to move as a free agent.

It was a transfer that reunited the 28-year-old with his former Leicester manager and Iheanacho was full of enthusiasm for working under Rodgers again. He says the Celtic boss has a talent for getting the best out of players.

“He’s been massively important in my career,” the forward told Celtic TV. “He looked after me when I was in Leicester and gave me the opportunity to show my talent and help the team to win trophies.

“He’s a great manager and a great person. He’s got a good personality as well so I’m happy to play for him again.

“I’m happy to be a Celtic player and to play for this great club.

“His man management, the way he manages players, he’s a great guy. He knows how to manage his team and the players as well.

“He has that gift for managing players very well. He looks after you, on the pitch and outside the pitch as well.”

Iheanacho’s arrival in Glasgow has not been met with much enthusiasm from the Celtic support, who are furious with the club’s failure to strengthen the squad over the summer, but the Nigerian international has already taken note of the expectations at Parkhead and the demand for success.

The forward, who says he is ready to play against Kilmarnock in the Premiership this weekend, wants to be part of a team that adds another chapter in the club’s success.

“Funnily enough, when I came in here I saw the trophies they have won: 50-something, 20-something, it’s a lot of trophies,” he said. “It looks like it’s something normal for the club.

“They are used to winning trophies and are comfortable doing it, so hopefully I’ll be part of that here.

“To win something, you need to work your socks off to get it.

“They’ve done it over the years. Every single year, they keep doing it so they are a massive, massive club in a massive city.”