Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has praised Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho for his “outstanding goal” in their UEFA Europa League clash against Crvena zvezda on Wednesday.

The 28-year-old came off the bench to score the equalizer as the game ended 1-1 at the Rajko Mitic Stadium.

Speaking after the match, Rodgers highlighted Iheanacho’s ability to bring control and progression to Celtic’s attack.

“I thought Kelechi Iheanacho’s goal was outstanding,” Rodgers told TNT Sports, via BBC. “I wanted us to be more proactive in the game, but overall, it was a positive first step in the competition.

“We needed someone centrally to hold the ball up. In the first half we were loose in the final third, but one of Kele’s big strengths is his ability to take the ball in and move us forward, and that gave us a stronger platform.”

Iheanacho, who joined Celtic as a free agent in the summer after leaving Sevilla, has continued to impress with his performances for the Scottish champions.