SHOW AND KEL

Rodgers praises impact of Iheanacho in Europa draw

- BY RYAN MCDONALD

BRENDAN RODGERS hailed Kelechi Iheanacho's impact after the second-half sub earned Celtic a battling point in their Europa League opener at Red Star Belgrade.

The Nigerian international was thrown on at half-time in place of the ineffective Daizen Maeda, with the game goalless in Serbia's capital.

The move paid off as Iheanacho broke the deadlock in the 55th minute with a brilliant finish after fine work from Benjamin Nygren.

However, Celtic's lead lasted just 10 minutes as the hosts levelled through Austrian striker Marko Arnautovic.

Rodgers was content with the point, with their next game in the league phase on home soil when they welcome Portuguese outfit Braga.