Johnny Kenny identifies the Celtic star who's been "like a father figure" to him

By Euan Davidson

January 19, 2022

Johnny Kenny has hailed the impact of Celtic defender Liam Scales after signing for the club.

Kenny, who was brought in from Sligo Rovers during the January transfer window, says he’s settled in fine at Celtic Park. That’s largely down to former Irishman Scales, himself an arrival from the LOI in 21-22.

Scales has impressed in a handful of opportunities for Celtic, and Kenny described him as something of a father figure, despite being just 5 years Kenny’s senior.

Kenny also credited James McCarthy with helping him settle in, and he claims to now know the ins and outs of Glasgow having moved over from Sligo.

Speaking to the LOI FAN TV channel, Kenny said: “I was talking to Scalesy a good bit to be fair [before signing]. Since I came, Scales has been like a father figure to me!

“Anything I’ve needed, I’ve just asked Scalesly and he’ll do it. He’s been unbelievable to me to be fair to him, I can’t thank him enough.

“You can see how well he’s done since he came here in the summer. He loves it here. Can’t speak highly enough of the club. And he’s shown me the ins and outs of the city, the training ground, he helped me settle in very well.

“James McCarthy is there as well, he’s been very helpful, too.”

Johnny Kenny delighted with help from Celtic defender Liam Scales

Now, isn’t this just wholesome?

It’s great to hear, first and foremost, that players are getting the help they need settling in. For Liam Scales, it would’ve been a big move. But he has the benefit of a few more years’ life experience.

Kenny, meanwhile, is just 18. To move country, let alone city, was a big step for the Irish youth international. Clearly, though, Scales has settled in well enough himself to show Kenny around the place, and provide some kind of father figure to his fellow Irishman.

Both players look and sound determined to make a lasting impact at Celtic. Scales, so far, has looked tidy in possession, tactically sound and ferocious in a 50/50 situation. He’s definitely quality cover for Greg Taylor, and could usurp him in years to come.

Kenny, at 18, is a longer-term project. But he’ll be buoyed by seeing Owen Moffat and Joey Dawson make appearances in the first-team over recent weeks.

It’s just great to hear the spirit of camaraderie is alive and well at Celtic. For Liam Scales and Johnny Kenny, there’s hopefully a grand future ahead at Paradise.

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