That was an interesting January transfer window from Celtic’s perspective and perhaps not what the doctor ordered.
There were many talking points, with the striker department and the return of Kieran Tierney, hogging up most of the limelight.
Tierney won’t return to Celtic until the summer when his contract at Arsenal expires, as that much-needed striker didn’t arrive for Brendan Rodgers.
This came after Kyogo Furuhashi made the surprise call to leave for Rennes, as it left the club short up top and they searched for answers in the market, but couldn’t find a replacement.
That has now put a lot of limelight and onus on Adam Idah, but so far, he is producing, including scoring again during Celtic’s 6-0 thrashing of Dundee on Wednesday night.
But John Hartson was glad another forward within the ranks stayed put.
John Hartson praises Celtic’s call to keep Johnny Kenny
Johnny Kenny returned from his loan spell at Shamrock Rovers last month and he proceeded to make his debut against Ross County.
The 21-year-old has been part of some of Celtic’s matchday squads since, including coming off the bench against Dundee.
There was interest in Kenny in January, but Hartson told Go Radio it was ‘absolutely correct’ and the ‘wise’ call to keep him on board.
“Absolutely correct,” said Hartson on Kenny staying. “I think Celtic can’t afford to let a really good prospect, and that’s all Johnny Kenny is right at the minute because he hasn’t had enough games to really show what he can do.
“I am sure he will go on to become a really good centre-forward. But only wise for Celtic not to let Johnny Kenny go anywhere, at this moment in time.”
Brendan Rodgers to give Kenny his Celtic chance
Make what you will about Celtic not bringing in another striker, but this has worked out well for Kenny.
The Irishman will now earn those extra minutes, and perhaps starts, as a result of Kyogo leaving and nobody else coming in.
He is the next in line, and what’s even better, post the January transfer window closing, is that Rodgers has now put more focus on Kenny.
“Johnny Kenny will now be here,” said Rodgers. “Johnny, I can see even with the three or so weeks he has been training with us and the guys who (coach him), John (Kennedy) and the other coaches who have been here before.
“They see the real difference in him. From his experience going back to playing with Shamrock and playing in Europe.
“Brilliant finisher. He looks physically in a good place, so I am now going to put my time into him and working with him. See how he develops now because he is a natural finisher in the box, there is no doubt about that. That’s what we look to do.”
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
