While Celtic supporters' primary focus is on their team's title race, a young player is catching the eye out on loan. Despite having actually made 22 appearances for the Hoops during the first half of the campaign, scoring six goals, Johnny Kenny joined Bolton Wanderers on loan on deadline day.
Following the late arrivals of Tomáš Čvančara, Junior Adamu and Joel Mvuka, it was decided that another loan would be best for the 22-year-old's development. Kenny made his Trotters debut off the bench during last weekend's top of the table clash with Lincoln at Sincil Bank, before then starting against Reading at the Madejski on Tuesday, both matches ending 1-1.
Speaking after the former, Bolton manager Steven Schumacher was very complimentary of his new recruit:
"I think he could play for Celtic regularly because he's that good... he just needs to keep playing and keep getting goals... he is a good lad. I'm really pleased to have him here."
The Liverpudlian manager added that Kenny "doesn't strike [him] as a player who lacks confidence", really pleased with his performances thus far, hoping he can help fire Bolton back into the EFL Championship for the first time since 2018/19.
The Wanderers currently sit third in League One, eight points adrift of the automatic promotion spots, ahead of hosting Blackpool on Saturday. So, could Kenny's form south of the border force his way into the plans of whoever Celtic's manager will be next season?
Can Johnny Kenny become a Celtic regular?
Kenny first signed for Celtic all the way back in January 2022, arriving from Sligo Rovers for £125,000. However, he has been loaned out to Queen's Park, Shamrock Rovers, and now Bolton, and he is yet to establish himself as an important figure in Glasgow.
Johnny Kenny's club career statistics
Club | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
Sligo Rovers | 34 | 12 |
Queen's Park | 12 | Zero |
Shamrock Rovers | 76 | 26 |
Celtic | 32 | 7 |
Bolton Wanderers | 2 | Zero |
The highlight of Kenny's career in Hoops to date was scoring a towering header to break the deadlock against Rangers during this season's League Cup semi-final victory at Hampden. He also bagged four Premiership goals, including a brace against Falkirk, as well as finding the target in last month's Scottish Cup victory over Auchinleck Talbot at Rugby Park.
Right now, no one knows who will be Celtic manager come August, while the club's centre-forward position is up for grabs too. It appears as though injury-prone Kelechi Ịheanachọ will not be offered a contract extension, while Tomáš Čvančara is only on loan, albeit a £7 million option to buy is included. Thus, if Kenny is able to score some goals for Bolton, he could finally become a mainstay at Parkhead.