‘More comfortable’ – Irish pundit states difference between Celtic duo Adam Idah and Johnny Kenny

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The new Premiership season isn’t far off, and it’s going to be a huge one for Adam Idah and Johnny Kenny.

Celtic kick off against St Mirren for their title defence on August 3, and there is every chance either Idah or Kenny could be leading the line for that match.

More than likely, it will be Idah, with the Republic of Ireland international aiming to better his first full campaign in Celtic colours, where he scored 20 goals in all competitions.

On the other hand, Kenny returned from his loan spell at Shamrock Rovers during the January transfer window, but he wasn’t able to cement a place in Brendan Rodgers’ XI.

• READ MORE: Who is Johnny Kenny? Meet the ‘fantastic’ young Celtic striker who Brendan Rodgers loves

The difference between Adam Idah and Johnny Kenny

On Tuesday evening, Celtic beat Cork City 2-1 in their pre-season friendly, with Kenny leading the line and starting the match.

Kenny Cunningham was speaking to Premier Sports (08/07/25) when he noted the difference between Idah and Kenny’s games.

The Irish pundit thinks Celtic’s £9 million signing from Norwich City is ‘more comfortable’ with his back to goal than his countryman, but Kenny prefers to ‘run down the side and in behind.’

“He is a slightly different player to Adam Idah in that position,” said Cunningham. “Adam is a little bit more comfortable with his back to play and leaning into opposition defenders.

“Making the ball stick. Enjoys his physical side of the game a little bit more than Johnny Kenny, who wants to be on the move and wants to make those runs down the side and in behind.

“He just needs people on the ball, who can get their head up and find him. But I think he has them in this Celtic team. He certainly has them in Callum McGregor and the likes of Forrest in those central midfield areas.”

Does Kenny have a future at Celtic?

This question has to be raised, especially given Celtic’s moves during the 2025 summer transfer window, and what they could yet do.

Callum Osmand signed from Fulham; he is part of the senior set-up, despite never playing first-team football, and you wonder what that means for Kenny.

You already have Idah, and probably even Daizen Maeda, if he stays central, playing in front of Kenny as the number nine.

Not including that Celtic could yet add another striker to their ranks before the end of August. All in all, it probably doesn’t bode well for Kenny, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he left.