What Martin O’Neill told Johnny Kenny before Celtic loan exit

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Johnny Kenny has discussed speaking to Martin O’Neill before leaving Celtic for Bolton.

Kenny made the move to League One on Deadline Day in January, and has since managed a goal and three assists in seven appearances for the Lancashire club.

He has been named in the Republic of Ireland squad for their World Cup qualifying play-offs, along with ex-Hoops teammate Adam Idah.

Reflecting on his international ambitions, the striker has recalled discussing them with O’Neill before leaving Glasgow.

Johnny Kenny on speaking to Martin O’Neill before Celtic exit

The 22-year-old told the Irish Independent: “The night before I signed for Bolton I spoke to Heimir (Ireland manager) 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 wouldn’t stand in my way of hopefully going to a World Cup. Martin loves Ireland too.

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“When we won in Budapest we actually spoke about [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.

“Anyone I speak to is asking about Prague. It would really give the nation a lift.

“In Glasgow I saw how powerful it is to get to a World Cup, but I think we’ll double or triple that if we can get there. Growing up, everyone dreams about playing for Ireland at the World Cup.

“You saw the scenes with the Irish fans at Euro 2016 so to be able to give that to the country, it would probably be the best moment of my career.

“The Aviva on that Tuesday night, I don’t think it will ever be as loud.

“The Wednesday might be a public holiday if we do get there. We can talk a lot about it but at the end of the day, we need to go and perform on the 26th and then come back to our home turf and deliver what we want.”

Kenny scored four goals in O’Neill’s first four games of his first interim spell, including a crucial header against Rangers.

In his only start of the second interim spell, he scored against Auchinleck Talbot in the Scottish Cup.