Reported Celtic target Johnny Kenny has today confirmed a new 3-year contract with Sligo Rovers.
Kenny has struck 9 goals this season for the League of Ireland club in what’s been a breakthrough campaign for the striker [Transfermarkt]. The Irishman, who’s recently been called up for the Republic of Ireland under-21 squad, has been linked with a potential January switch to Celtic, who are said to be monitoring his progress [Irish Independent].
However, today he’s made a major decision on his long-term future as he tied himself to Sligo:
Kenny spoke about the decision on Rovers’ official website today. Here’s what he had to say: “When I signed my first contract 10 months ago, I was just hoping to get a chance and to start 20 games and score nine goals has been unreal. I really couldn’t have imagined how things have gone.
“I’ve loved it, being in the team and scoring goals, but I can’t play well if the team doesn’t play well. There’s been a lot to learn on how to finish games and fitness-wise and as the season has gone on, I’ve picked up these things I like to think.
“I’ve signed a three-year contract as I know this is my club and I love being here. I want to achieve a lot here if I can and I’m delighted to know that commitment is in place.”
Johnny Kenny to Celtic is still anything but dead
It may look as though a potential move for Kenny is more or less dead in the water. That tends to be the purpose of a new contract – it kills off transfer speculation and allows the player to focus on his future.
However, Celtic could likely move for Kenny whenever they feel the time is right. They have the financial muscle to easily get a deal done here. It just remains to be seen whether the Hoops want to make a move and whether the player would fancy the step-up.
Any move for Kenny would likely see him move down to the Celtic B squad of course. He doesn’t yet have the pedigree to be challenging for a place in Ange Postecoglou’s first-team.
There’s still a long way to go before he would be at that level. And therefore he’s made the right decision to tie himself down to Sligo for the time being. 9 goals to his name for the season isn’t a bad return, but it’s still a figure he’ll want to improve upon.
With only 30+ games of League of Ireland action under his belt, he needs plenty more first-team experience before he moves to Scotland.
All the best to him, Celtic will likely be watching with interest.
In other news, Albanian international labels Celtic Park “awesome” after October visit
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