Celtic have sent many players out on loan to various clubs around the world this season; naturally, some garner more attention than others.
Mikey Johnston, Bosun Lawal and Hyeokkyu Kwon have all stayed in the minds of supporters since heading off to other sides, part of a 15-person group sent out by Celtic temporarily.
However, one of those almost forgotten by Celtic fans is Johnny Kenny, who extended his loan spell at Shamrock Rovers for their 2024 season after an initial spell in Dublin last year.
Still just 20, Kenny looks sharp at the beginning of Rovers’ league campaign and earned his first start of the season in their big derby match against Bohemians on Friday night.
Celtic’s Johnny Kenny in the goals again
Kenny was the man who got Rovers on the way to victory in a 3-1 win over their Dublin rivals, netting a close-range, poached effort in the 49th minute.
He showed quick feet and composure in front of the opposition goalkeeper to score his second goal for Rovers in as many games. You can see a clip of the finish embedded below via Irish broadcaster RTE.
Kenny was also on target in a 1-0 away win to Galway United before the international break and will be keen to now put together a run of goalscoring form.
His first year at Rovers initially showed signs of promise, scoring four goals in his first seven starts, but the goals dried up and he only managed five from 30 matches in total.
The striker signed for Celtic in January 2023 but has largely continued his development in his homeland and it remains to be seen whether he can make a senior impact at the Bhoys.
His contract with the reigning Scottish champions runs until the summer of 2026 so there is plenty of time for big decisions to be made on his long-term future.
It’d be fantastic to see him find real consistency in Ireland and this derby goal will be a big boost to his confidence.