Stiliyan Petrov believes Celtic should explore other options this summer despite Kelechi Iheanacho’s key role in the club’s title-winning campaign.

Iheanacho joined the Hoops on a free transfer last summer after severing ties with Spanish outfit Sevilla.

The 29-year-old striker won over the Celtic faithful with a string of crucial goals during the title run-in, netting decisive winners against Dundee, Hibernian and Motherwell as Celtic staged a stunning comeback to clinch the Premiership crown.

Although the striker struggled to fully convince manager Martin O’Neill about his fitness throughout the campaign, the forward still made a significant impact off the bench at crucial stages of the title race.

The Nigeria international’s current one-year deal is due to expire at the end of the season, although Celtic hold the option to extend it by an additional 12 months.

Petrov Against New Deal For Iheanacho

However, Petrov believes Celtic should prioritise signing a younger, long-term option to lead the attack instead.

Speaking on The Scottish Football Social Club, Petrov said: “Sorry, no. You need a striker who can compete all season, who is fit all season, who is ready, who is mobile.

“You know what? He (Iheanacho) done so well. For me, with what Celtic stands for, they have to go for something different. Something more powerful.

“That’s the way it is, unfortunately, at a big club. I don’t think Iheanacho is the answer for the club.”

Nine of that team from 1982 were at Besiktas Park in Istanbul to watch Unai Emery win his fifth Europa League.

Emery replaced Steven Gerrard in November 2022 with Villa three points above the relegation zone and has transformed them into top five contenders and, now, a European champion.

Villa supporter Prince William celebrated at the final whistle as Villa won major silverware for the first time since the 1996 League Cup.