For a while, the future for Celtic forward Johnny Kenny looked very bright. But question marks are emerging after news emerged about another temporary deal that was blocked at the last minute. It seems that he was wanted on a loan basis by several clubs with a team in England now talking about signing him.
Kenny had a very successful time on loan at Shamrock Rovers. He scored goals there in both the league and in European competitions.
Kenny had 26 goals and eight assists to his name from 76 appearances for the Irish side. That was impressive enough for him to be called back by Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers to his first-team squad in December.
That was to be an opportunity to see what Kenny was capable of at close quarters in training and perhaps some matches too. But while Rodgers has talked positively about the player to the media, there have been signs that his future may lie elsewhere.
Kenny came close to leaving Celtic for Rotherham United
There has been plenty of talk of possible loans out again for Kenny. Both St Mirren and Hibernian were seen as teams with a strong interest in him.
Now it emerges that English League One side Rotherham United were close to completing a loan deal for Kenny. Their manager Steve Evans, as reported by the Rotherham Advertiser, confirmed his side were close to securing a move for the Celtic youngster but it fell through late on. He said:
"At one stage, it looked like Johnny was coming. It fell through very late on."
Of course, things have changed in terms of the available forwards at Celtic. Kyogo Furuhashi’s departure left a gap, the club wasn’t able to sign anyone to fill that, so a loan out for Kenny wasn't to be. It does leave the player in contention for some game time at Parkhead after all.
But that question mark looms. Kenny has only made three appearances for the first team, all as a substitute, since his return. They came against Ross County last month, Dundee in midweek and in the cup win against Raith Rovers at the weekend. There have been other opportunities to play him, but Rodgers hasn't taken those.
With the news that Kenny was close to packing his bags and heading out on loan again, possibly to Rotherham, does he have a Celtic future? Even if another striker had been signed to add to Adam Idah’s name on the squad list, Rodgers has said previously he’d prefer to have three forwards, two established and one developing player.
The way things have worked out allows Kenny to stake a claim for his place in the squad. He is now part of the Champions League squad and could face Bayern Munich at some point in the two legs. Will Rodgers play him more often or keep him on the bench for occasional late runouts?