There are strong suggestions that Robbie Keane could become Celtic’s next manager.
That news hasn’t gone down well with many Celtic supporters, but if Keane comes in, then Jonny Hayes is expected to be part of his backroom staff.
Hayes has been working with Celtic’s B team, where he would have come across a certain Johnny Kenny, who will be returning to Parkhead this summer.
Kenny was loaned out to Bolton in January, who earned promotion to England’s second tier, but if Hayes comes in alongside Keane, then it bodes well for Celtic’s young striker.
Does Johnny Kenny have a long-term future at Celtic?
Jonny Hayes believes in Johnny Kenny’s ability to play for Celtic
For so long, Celtic have been searching for that long-term striker, with so many trying to take the mantle, but falling flat on their face.
That includes Kenny, who struggled to really cement his place in the XI during the first half of this season before being loaned out and succeeding with Bolton.
But in May 2025, as Celtic won the double under Brendan Rodgers, Hayes told Sky Sports how ‘excitable’ Kenny is as a striker.
Hayes even stated that he has ‘no doubts’ that the Republic of Ireland star can play for Celtic.
“Yeah, (I have watched him in training); he has come back from a really good loan spell,” said Hayes in May 2025. “In any other circumstances, you might expect him to have a bit more game time.
“But the form, not just of the strikers, but Daizen going through the middle as well. Kyogo before. He has found his opportunities really difficult, and that happens at top clubs.
“I have seen him training. He works hard in training. As the manager touched upon, he is a really good finisher. Really good movement. And he will be relishing this chance.
“He is a bit of a combination, in terms of being a really good finisher. A bit raw because he is young. He is excitable. Almost like a firework in and around the box. He will make non-stop runs. If Celtic dominate a game and he is on the last line, I think that’s where he comes alive.
“To be honest, I know he is young. But he has played at a decent level in Europe. He has scored some really good goals. I wouldn’t have any doubts about him playing for Celtic, at this moment in time.”
Does Kenny have a Celtic future?
You sense that if Martin O’Neill is Celtic’s manager for next season, then the answer is no for Kenny.
But if it’s Keane, alongside Hayes coming in, then the Celtic B team coach will only champion someone like Kenny, especially with the team lacking firepower.
On the one hand, the young Irishman is only 22, but on the other hand, you don’t get too many cracks at the whip at Parkhead, so interesting times lie ahead for Kenny.
- Celtic games: 32
- Starts: 13
- Goals: 7
- Assists: 3
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
