Johnny Kenny reveals the Martin O’Neill talk that engineered Celtic exit to Bolton

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Johnny Kenny is enjoying a fairly successful loan move from Celtic to Bolton after the young striker left Parkhead to get regular first-team football.

The Irishman has made seven appearances for the League One side, with Kenny scoring one goal and creating three assists.

And as the deal lasts until the end of this season, the young Celtic striker has revealed the talk with Martin O’Neill about the upcoming World Cup that engineered his loan move to Bolton.

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Johnny Kenny’s World Cup heart-to-heart with Celtic boss O’Neill

Speaking to The Sligo Champion, Kenny revealed that O’Neill’s enduring passion for the Republic of Ireland, and his desire to see the national team succeed, played a pivotal role in green-lighting the exit.

Kenny said, “The night before I signed for Bolton I spoke to Heimir [Ireland boss] about what I needed to do to get in the squad.

“He said, ‘you need to be playing regularly. Then, when I spoke with Martin, he said he wouldn’t stand in my way of hopefully going to a World Cup. Martin loves Ireland too.

“When we won in Budapest we actually spoke about it [O’Neill being in charge at Euro 2016]. He’d love to see us go there in the summer.

“I’m sure Martin would probably travel himself. Two weeks ago he turned 74 and he still has the most energy out of everyone. He’s lauded up there.”

Celtic striker Johnny Kenny’s Republic of Ireland career so far

As it stands, Kenny only has the one cap for the Republic of Ireland after being given his debut in a 3-2 win over Hungary in November 2025.

The Celtic hitman was given 30 minutes to show what he can do after previously being used as an unused substitute against Portugal, Armenia and, again, Hungary.

With no goals yet, Kenny will be desperate to break his international duck, and with a break coming up soon, the on-loan Celtic starlet will be hoping to get the nod and show the Ireland boss why he is deserving a place on the plane for the upcoming World Cup.