Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers stirred intrigue in the summer amid suggestions that he would’ve liked to bring a third striker into the fold behind Kyogo Furuhashi and Adam Idah.
While both have tangible goalscoring qualities, the thought of an injury to one or the other would likely mean Daizen Maeda drafted in through the middle as an alternative solution.
The Japan international would have no problem adjusting to a role he has previously thrived in, but Brendan Rodgers’ comments on a potential third striker at Celtic did make interesting reading at the time.
Previously, he stated the solution could’ve come from within in the form of Rocco Vata, stating: “Rocco was offered it and he was told that he was going to be one of the three strikers at Celtic. He decided that it wasn’t going to be for him. So he then left Celtic. That is absolutely fine and we wish him all the very best.”
Of course, Vata departed in the end, but the thought of Celtic having two main strikers pushing for berths and another supplementing their forward option is a realistic one, rather than entering the market for another forward.
In light of that, it is worth reviewing Johnny Kenny’s progress at Shamrock Rovers this term, with their campaign set to come to an end in a matter of weeks.
Johnny Kenny’s progress at Shamrock Rovers
Staying put at Shamrock Rovers this term, Celtic loanee Kenny has been in some decent form over the course of the season.
In 31 appearances, the Riverstown-born forward has scored 12 goals and laid on three assists, alongside starring in European competition as a bonus.
Stat-trackers Fotmob show the encouraging nature of his displays, as he has taken on 76 shots in total in the League of Ireland, 36 of which have been on target. He has also created 12 chances, impressing with his ability to link play and trouble defenders in behind.
Injury issues also played a part for Kenny earlier in the campaign, but he is now back in the fold and ready to have his say in Rovers’ last three league matches, where they could incredibly still bring the title home to Tallaght despite a campaign riddled by inconsistency.
Johnny Kenny’s long-term Celtic first-team prospects
Once he does complete his season over in Ireland, the focus will turn to whether Kenny has a future at Celtic or if he is better served looking elsewhere for minutes.
With his contract expiring in 2026, there is still time for the ex-Sligo Rovers man to make a break for the senior fold. Nevertheless, supporters are all aware of how difficult a task that would be.
On the face of it, Rodgers did suggest Celtic’s third-man striker could come from within. That isn’t a reach; it is merely an observation based on fact.
You do just wonder if Kenny may have done enough to get a look in under the Irishman. Only time will tell whether that becomes the case.
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