Celtic legend Stiliyan Petrov has called on the Scottish champions to look beyond Kelechi Iheanacho this summer, arguing the club need a striker capable of sustaining a full season rather than making an impact from the bench.

Iheanacho arrived at Celtic Park on a free transfer last summer following his departure from Sevilla, and wasted little time endearing himself to the Hoops faithful. The Nigeria international netted decisive winners against Dundee, Hibernian, and Motherwell during the title run-in as Celtic mounted a remarkable comeback to secure the Premiership crown.

Despite those match-winning moments, the 29-year-old struggled to demonstrate consistent fitness throughout the campaign, largely influencing games as a substitute rather than a first-choice starter under manager Brendan Rodgers.

Petrov's verdict on Iheanacho's future

Iheanacho's one-year deal is due to expire at the end of the season, though Celtic hold an option to extend the contract by a further 12 months. Petrov, however, believes the club should invest in a younger, more physically dynamic forward rather than trigger that clause.

Speaking on The Scottish Football Social Club, the former Celtic midfielder was direct in his assessment.