Celtic have seen plenty of loanees return to the club recently as they plan to impress Brendan Rodgers in pre-season.
Nevertheless, there is one man still on the books at Parkhead who is thriving out on loan at Shamrock Rovers in the form of Johnny Kenny.
The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international has been labelled a ‘different animal’ by Rovers boss Steven Bradley, in light of his seven goals and one assist in 19 appearances this campaign [Transfermarkt].
Scoring the winner at Tallaght Stadium against Derry City on Monday night, the 20-year-old has emerged as one of the leading lights in his side’s push to win another League of Ireland title.
Now, he has opened up on his future at Parkhead and his first-team breakthrough chances, discussing the nature of the relationships he holds at the Scottish Premiership champions.
Johnny Kenny discusses life away from Celtic
Speaking to the Irish Independent, Kenny has admitted contact between himself and Celtic is ‘minimal’ despite his positive form, alongside shedding light on his future at the club and chances of making a breakthrough under Rodgers.
He stated: “To be honest, (there is) very little interaction. Last year, I don’t think I heard once. This year, it’s a bit better. Darren O’Dea has stepped into that kind of role, another Irishman, and I’ve heard more this year. But interaction is minimal. I hope as I perform, it gets better. If you’re not performing, why would they get in touch with you?
“I’m out of contract next summer, 2025, and where that takes us, I don’t know. I’m happy here at the moment, I’m scoring in consecutive games a few times, and I have confidence, but my focus is Friday because they (Shelbourne) have what we want at the moment.
He then added on Celtic’s striking options and his chances of getting an opportunity at Parkhead: “No disrespect to him [Idah], but Kyogo is the man. Adam has come on loan, and I don’t know if he expected it to go as well as it has.
“I have to be that and better if I want to have a chance of playing for Celtic. I think Celtic and Shamrock Rovers are similar, as everyone wants to beat them, and everyone wants what they have. It’s the same mentality that you need because everyone is gunning for you.”
It remains to be seen if Johnny Kenny will break through at Celtic
Kenny was a highly-rated prospect when he joined Celtic from Sligo Rovers back in January 2022; however, despite loan spells at Queens Park and now being into his second year at Shamrock Rovers, he is yet to make a senior appearance at his parent club.
Per Fotmob, he has taken on 42 shots this season in the League of Ireland, 21 of which on target, coupled with completing eight successful dribbles and having 61 touches in the opposition area, demonstrating his capacity to threaten opposition backlines.
Either way, it remains to be seen if he will manage to break through at Celtic. Competition is vast for places, and there is a good chance Rodgers may opt to acquire another centre-forward this summer.