Kelechi Iheanacho delivered a match-winning cameo with two extra-time goals as Celtic powered past St. Mirren 6-2 to book their place in the Scottish Cup final after a dramatic semi-final encounter.
The Nigerian striker was introduced late in normal time, replacing Yang Hyun-jun in the 83rd minute, and quickly changed the course of the contest with a clinical display in added extra time.
Celtic appeared to be in full control after taking a two-goal advantage through first-half efforts from Daizen Maeda and Anthony Ralston.
But St. Mirren mounted a spirited comeback in the second half, with Mikaël Mandron scoring twice to level the tie and send the game into extra time.
With momentum shifting, Iheanacho stepped up when it mattered most.
He put Celtic back in front in the 96th minute, finishing calmly to restore the Hoops’ lead.
Just five minutes later, the former Nigeria international struck again to widen the gap and crush St. Mirren’s hopes of an upset.
Celtic added further goals to complete an emphatic 6-2 triumph and move one step closer to another domestic trophy.
Iheanacho’s brace takes his tally to six goals in all competitions for Celtic this season, underlining his growing influence in the squad at a crucial stage of the campaign.
