Celtic loanee Johnny Kenny has been a revelation on loan at Shamrock Rovers under Stephen Bradley as speculation over his Parkhead future grows.
The 21-year-old has excelled back in his homeland, netting 20 goals in a campaign where the other Hoops narrowly missed out on the League of Ireland title alongside featuring in the Europa Conference League.
In light of his superb form, Brendan Rodgers is set to offer Johnny Kennt a chance at Celtic as the manager looks for support to complement Kyogo Furuhashi and Adam Idah through the middle.
With his rise coming at a convenient time, there is every chance that the Bhoys’ search for a third striker option could be shortlived and may save them some money to spend elsewhere.
Last night, Shamrock Rovers were in action against Borac in the Conference League. Unsurprisingly, the Celtic loanee had his say on a historic night at Tallaght Stadium.
Johnny Kenny’s double secures Shamrock Rovers progression
Taking every occasion in his stride at the moment, Kenny continued that trend with a double in a 3-0 victory for Shamrock Rovers over Borac, which has booked their place in the knockout phase of the Conference League.
Full of confidence, his second of the game entailed a well-timed run through and brilliant dinked finish to put the seal on another excellent victory for his side on the continent.
Now, Rovers will take some time to recuperate before a glamour tie away to Chelsea next week at Stamford Bridge, putting forward a momentous occasion to end an excellent league phase showing.
Kenny is set to be involved in the tie, but he has made a clear declaration on his hopes for the future following recent events.
Johnny Kenny confirms Celtic return
Speaking after the match, Kenny confirmed that he will be headed back to Celtic upon the expiration of his loan spell and made his intent clear ahead of his return to Lennoxtown.
He stated: “I’m going to go back to Celtic and train to see where it takes us. But I just want to enjoy the occasion next week (against Chelsea).”
Kenny continued, stating: “I think I’m a lot different going back, as you can see from this year. But to play for Celtic Football Club you have to go to another level and that’s what I have to do.
“Obviously, it’s a big ask but it’s been good this year, very good, but this year will be gone when I go back to Celtic in January so you have to impress there. This will be gone and it won’t be worth anything really. I just have to go there and show Brendan in training that you’re worth it.”
His tale is one of persistence, and it appears that Kenny may get an opportunity after all at Celtic to stake his claim under Brendan Rodgers.
Despite optimism over the prospect, the Irishman will know that the hard work starts now to convince his parent club he deserves to be a part of the senior fold.
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