Celtic youth shines on Ireland international duty with winning goal

By John McGinley

March 26, 2023

Celtic striking prospect Johnny Kenny delighted Ireland U21 supporters with a late winner against Iceland in a friendly today, kicking off their 2023 schedule in perfect fashion.

Kenny, who is currently on loan at Shamrock Rovers, was substituted into the match in the 76th minute with the scores tied at 1-1 and Ireland reduced to ten men.

His first attempt at goal ended up in the back of the net, sending a sold-out 6,000-strong crowd in Cork home very happy with a 2-1 victory.

Defender Bosun Lawal also played the entire 90 minutes of the encounter as the Irish group builds towards important qualifiers later in the year.

Johnny Kenny ‘completely transforms’ Ireland match

Kenny signed a five-year deal with the Bhoys in January 2022 after transferring from Sligo Rovers and has already been sent out on loan to Queen’s Park and Rovers to gain experience for the future.

Still just 19, he’ll be buzzing to make an impact on the international stage and put himself into the thoughts of Jim Crawford moving forward.

RTE describe the Celtic kid as bringing ‘composure’ to the Ireland display that ‘completely transformed’ their attacking efforts as they searched for an equaliser.

He’s getting himself football at Shamrock Rovers, making eight appearances since joining in January and scoring one goal.

Today’s action will hopefully fill him with more confidence to go on and show what he can do across the sea before returning to Glasgow for another senior push at the Bhoys.

In other news, Celtic captain Callum McGregor set for world class test.