Celtic prospect Johnny Kenny is back in the Shamrock Rovers team and back on the goal trail after recent injury issues.
The 21-year-old made his first start since July on Friday night against old team Sligo Rovers, making it clear he hasn’t lost his scoring touch.
The striker netted a double to help his team to a 4-0 home thrashing. Kenny has now scored 12 goals for Shamrock Rovers during this 2024 season.
His first against Sligo was the result of a header from a pinpoint cross that goalkeeper Edward McGinty couldn’t keep out.
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Kenny then shadowed defender Gareth McElroy to sneak in on a defensive error, before showing great composure to smash the ball past a helpless McGinty.
Johnny Kenny pushing towards a big end to 2024
There are exciting tests ahead for Kenny now, with the UEFA Europa Conference League set to provide a big end to 2024 for the striker.
Shamrock Rovers have matches against APOEL, Larne, TNS, Rapid Vienna, Borac and Chelsea over the next couple of months and the forward will be desperate to be involved as much as possible after missing out on qualifiers.
The Irish side will also be keen to push up their league table at home, currently sitting in fifth but holding games in hand on those above them.
Kenny’s future at Celtic is still unclear
Kenny’s loan deal in Ireland expires at the end of the year and he’s due to return to Celtic for assessment before determinations are made on his future.
His contract at the Bhoys doesn’t expire until 2026 so there’s room to make a positive impression on the coaching staff and his goals this year can’t have hurt.
Even if he is not able to make a step up to first-team level, a loan in a more illustrious league looks likely to see what kind of progress he can make.
The youngster has had a really solid 2024 and his next 12 months will hopefully be even stronger evidence he has a big future in the game.
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