Kelechi Iheanacho has explained why Celtic’s Scottish Cup semi-final victory over St Mirren holds special significance for him…
Kelechi Iheanacho celebrates during Celtic’s 6-2 Scottish Cup semi-final win over St Mirren at Hampden on Sunday 19 April 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
The Nigerian striker came off the bench to score twice, playing a key role in sending Celtic through to next month’s final at Hampden. His contribution proved decisive after St Mirren had battled back from two goals down to take the game into extra time.
Iheanacho was visibly delighted at the final whistle, capping an important night on a personal level following a season that has been interrupted by injury since his arrival at the Hoops.
Kelechi Iheanacho celebrates during Celtic’s 6-2 Scottish Cup semi-final win over St Mirren at Hampden on Sunday 19 April 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
In his post-match comments, Iheanacho admitted the result meant more given his recent lack of silverware, noting that his last success came in 2024 when he won promotion to the Premier League as a title winner with Leicester City under Enzo Maresca.
Speaking via Premier Sports, Iheanacho said: “It feels amazing. I can’t even express how I feel now. Obviously, it was 2-2 at the end of the game and we went to extra time and we blew them away. So it feels really good to be in the final.”
Kelechi Iheanacho celebrates during Celtic’s 6-2 Scottish Cup semi-final win over St Mirren at Hampden on Sunday 19 April 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
“I’m really happy as well as the team. I don’t know how it feels for the fans, but for me, it would mean a whole lot for me because it’s been a while I haven’t won a silverware.”
“So I’ll be so delighted to win a silverware this season. So hopefully, together as a team, we can achieve that.”
Iheanacho was deployed in a central striking role following Martin O’Neill’s decision to shift Daizen Maeda back out to his customary position out on the left.
Celtic will now play Scottish Championship side Dunfermline Athletic next month in the Scottish Cup final.
Neil Lennon jokes with Martin O’Neill after Celtic’s 6-2 Scottish Cup semi-final win over St Mirren at Hampden on Sunday 19 April 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
It is the real fairytale occasion for both Martin O’Neill and Neil Lennon who will be facing each other in the dugout for the first time in their managerial careers.
Conor Spence
Post your own thoughts in the comments section below…
Quick Tip – Add thecelticstar.com as your ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News for quick access to the Celtic content you value the most. It takes just a few seconds and you’ll notice the difference straight away! – Click HERE….Hail Hail!
Click to join Celtic Pools
