Celtic have some solid depth all over the pitch at this point of time. That has meant that there are several players who have struggled for playing time and the best path for them is to head out on loan in search of playing time. And the club had done exactly that with Johnny Kenny in the first half of the season.
Kenny had been signed by Celtic from Sligo Rovers last January and he impressed immensely in the developmental ranks for the Hoops. That led to him being sent out on loan to Queen’s Park FC in the summer.
The expectation was that he would get accustomed to the Scottish game in the Championship and come back better prepared to contribute for Celtic. But unfortunately, things did not go according to plan. Kenny barely featured, did not score a single goal and was brought back to Parkhead recently, only to be sent to Shamrock Rovers on another loan spell.
There, things have started on a much better note. Kenny scored a brace on his debut for Shamrock Rovers, in a pre-season friendly against Lucan United.
Four second half goals, including a brace from new recruit Johnny Kenny, earns the win on our first outing in 2023 ✅ pic.twitter.com/9y5mzBEbsu
— Shamrock Rovers FC (@ShamrockRovers) January 14, 2023
Celtic player scores brace on his debut for loan club
There is no doubt that Kenny is an immense talent and found the back of the net regularly for Sligo Rovers as a teenager before joining Celtic.
Now, one would be hoping that he can do the same for Shamrock Rovers this season as well. While his loan spell at Queen’s Park might not have gone according to plan, it is important to remember that Kenny is still just 19 years of age and has plenty of time on his side to develop into a striker who can make a difference at Celtic.
On the other hand, Celtic are believed to be in search of a striker this month, with Giorgos Giakoumakis rumoured to be on his way out.