Johnny Kenny hasn’t had an orthodox Celtic career.
Signed as a teenager under Ange Postecoglou, he played for the B team before moving on an unsuccessful loan to Queens Park, which was cut short.
He spent the next two years on loan at Shamrock Rovers, and slowly but surely started generating noise. In six Conference League matches in his second season, he scored five goals.
Celtic rejected an offer from Bolton Wanderers on his return, and gave him a new contract. This season, he has managed five goals in ten appearances. Not the worst total.
But many fans still aren’t convinced, given the club’s lack of signings on the transfer front… the Irish media certainly have a different perspective.
The player that has impressed the most since Martin O’Neill’s return is…
Irish radio on Celtic striker Johnny Kenny
Kenny made his debut for the Irish national team in November, in their incredible 3-2 win against Budapest in Hungary.
He has stiff competition in the squad, however, given the presence of ex-Celtic trialist Troy Parrott, ex-Celtic player Adam Idah and current Celtic target Evan Ferguson. We love an Irish striker.
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So does Irish radio station Off The Ball, who were discussing Kenny’s hopes of making their World Cup squad this week.
On the show, David Wilson said: “Johnny Kenny, currently at Celtic. Last goal was in early November, four goals in the SPL this year.
“Eight starts, six sub appearances, signed a new contract in August 2025 until 2029. It’s very clear that he’s struggling for confidence.
“Okay, Martin O’Neill seems to have a bit more faith in him, maybe. Wilfried Nancy did play him, you know, fairly often.
“Atmosphere around Celtic at the minute is just completely toxic. I see he’s getting pelters online, all the time.
“Get out. Maybe don’t go to England, maybe go somewhere on the continent and try and score a couple of goals somewhere. Feel good about yourself.
“Get into the Ireland squad, because I think that last striker position in the squad… that is there for you, Johnny Kenny, just go.
“Get out of Celtic, get out of Scotland, and just go and play and score goals.”
Would you sell Johnny Kenny in January?
Who could leave Celtic in January?
As things stand, there is no indication that Kenny will be leaving in January, given his long-term contract and faith shown in the past from O’Neill.
The situation could be different for fellow striker Shin Yamada, however. If Celtic sign a striker as planned, he may need to look elsewhere.
Stephen Welsh has been recalled from Motherwell, but O’Neill has admitted that he could return to Fir Park before the end of the window.
Michel-Ange Balikwisha’s social media indicated that he was considering leaving Celtic, but O’Neill has insisted that the forward hasn’t been complaining about his lack of playing time.
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