Celtic assistant Shaun Maloney has offered a surprising update on one Hoops star who was expected to move this summer. The Bhoys have spent much of this summer so far concentrating on trying to get deals over the line.
They haven't had much success, only signing two player so far, while Haissem Hassan is expected to follow in the coming days. There will be some high-profile exits, including Arne Engels and likely Reo Hatate, while the battle goes on to keep hold of Alistair Johnston.
But another expected exit was striker Johnny Kenny who, at 23 years of age, looks not closer to winning regular first-team appearances. Kenny spent the second half of last season out on loan with Bolton Wanderers, helping them reach the play-offs, which they eventually won.
Though, they won the play-offs without Kenny, who suffered a significant injury that he has since recovered from.
Bolton boss on Kenny return
Speaking last week, Bolton boss Steven Schumacher said of a possible Kenny return: "Who knows?
"I've spoken openly and not hidden the fact that I thought Johnny did a great job for us last season.
"He was a real bonus for us, a plus when we signed him in January. He was a player that I tried to sign last summer, didn't manage to happen because Celtic needed him to stay in their squad. We managed to get him in January; he came in, made a huge impact, scored some really important goals for us, got some assists.
"He's a player who I've said I would love to work with again because he was a brilliant character. Now, whether we can make that happen again, I'm not sure. I don't know whether we can financially afford it.
"I don't know whether he will be available from Celtic in whatever department, on loan or on a permanent. We're not sure, but as I say, he's a player I would love to work with again."
Celtic coach Maloney responds
Responding to talk of Kenny returning to Bolton, Celtic assistant Maloney has said: "At the moment, yeah, I think he spoke to Martin and he’s staying. He’s part of the squad. I think there was something online about the squad number, that was incorrect.
"So, yeah, Johnny’s part of the squad. I’d say he’s just about fit now. He hasn’t been fit during pre-season. He’s one of ours and he’s fighting to get minutes on the pitch.”
It would be a surprise if Celtic kept Kenny beyond the transfer window, given they already have Kasper Hogh, Camilo Duran and Callum Osmand, but it may mean a loan is more likely. If he does stay, it's difficult to see where and when Kenny will feature.
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