Johnny Kenny got his Celtic career properly up and running against Aberdeen in midweek.
The Hoops thrashed Aberdeen 5-1 at Pittodrie in the Scottish Premiership with Kenny earning his first start and scoring in the rout.
The Irishman was limited only to substitute appearances before Wednesday night, but did all he could to impress Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers.
Rodgers was keen to start Kenny and was rewarded in the best way possible. Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley was buzzing for the striker, while Jonny Hayes praised Kenny as a “really good finisher”.
Despite all of this, former Rangers forward Ross McCormack believes Kenny’s immediate future at Celtic is under threat.
Ross McCormack gets honest about Kenny’s Celtic future
McCormack was speaking on the latest Open Goal podcast and initially pointed out that he was pleased Kenny got on the scoresheet against the Dons.
But then when asked by co-pundit and former Celtic kid Paul Slane if Kenny has a real chance at progressing with the Hoops, McCormack delivered a frank assessment.
McCormack: “I’m happy for the young boy Kenny actually, great movement getting across the front and a great header (for his goal against Aberdeen).”
Slane: “Do you think he has a chance at Celtic?”
McCormack: “I’ll be honest mate, probably not. I’m happy for him to get his goal and all that. But if you look at Adam Idah, he’s now on 20 goals this season, look at the abuse he’s getting.
“Now I’ve criticised him a few times this season, granted, but if that ain’t a good enough back-up for Celtic then it’s going to be very hard for a young kid to become second choice.
“I would imagine Celtic will look at signing another striker this summer, especially with Jota being out. Maeda can go out to the left, which means they’ll have Idah and another striker, so I think it will be very tough for him (Kenny).
“I would imagine you’re probably looking at maybe a loan down south somewhere, bottom end of League One or top end of the Championship and see how he goes.”
Does Kenny really have a chance at Celtic?
It’s unfair to question Kenny’s future after such a fantastic night for the 21-year-old hitman, who will be on cloud nine at the moment.
But McCormack does have a point. Celtic are likely to target a new striker in the summer transfer window and it means added competition for Kenny.
He is already third in the pecking order behind Daizen Maeda and Adam Idah, although Jota’s injury has technically bumped him up a bit.
Even if Celtic sign a winger and not a striker, it probably still means Kenny will have an uphill battle to earn regular minutes next season.
Kenny is contracted until 2026 so if he is shipped out on loan to an EFL Championship side, for example, he has the chance to prove at a higher level of football he is worthy of remaining at the Bhoys long term.
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