Why Bolton Wanderers were so keen to land Johnny Kenny on loan from Celtic

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After months of hoping and praying, Celtic finally caved into Bolton Wanderers’ demands.

Johnny Kenny joined Bolton on loan on transfer deadline day after the Hoops were able to bring in two strikers over the course of the transfer window.

The League One club had tried to sign the Republic of Ireland international in the summer window but were unable to get it over the line.

He could make his debut in the clash against Barnsley, and Steven Schumacher sees him as a key option going forward.

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Bolton boss reacts to signing Johnny Kenny

Despite showing some glimpses this season, Kenny wasn’t clinical enough and the forward was given his chance to prove his worth.

Schumacher was asked about signing the 22-year-old and said that his ability to stretch defences and always face the opposition played a huge role.

“When we knew he was available, the back end of the window, we moved quickly to secure his services, because we needed that profile,” he told The Bolton News.

“What I love about him is he’s always facing the opposition goal when you turn the ball over, so he’s got a head start on everyone. 

“His finishing and his ability, the calmness that he shows when he gets through, or what I’ve seen, is excellent, and we’re just hoping he can produce that for us here, because if he does, he’ll be a really good player.”

Johnny Kenny involved in promotion race

Kenny knows what the pressure of being involved in battles at top of the table are like from his stints at Shamrock Rovers and Celtic.

That will help with his time at the League One club, who are in the promotion mix.

They currently sit third in the table and are six points behind second placed Lincoln City, who have a game in hand on them right now.

Play-offs do seem more feasible, however, and we will be keeping an eye on how Kenny copes.