If Johnny Kenny is going to stake a claim at Celtic then the time is now | OneFootball

Johnny Kenny’s new contract with Celtic makes plenty of sense from a business perspective. But does the footballing logic follow suit?

Johnny Kenny of Celtic FC during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Sporting CP and Celtic at Estadio Algarve on July 16, 2025 in Faro, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

The 22-year-old striker has clearly caught the eye of Brendan Rodgers, impressing with both his skillset and his application since returning from a successful loan spell at Shamrock Rovers. That stint wasn’t just about domestic performances either as Kenny found the net in the League of Ireland and at UEFA Europa Conference League level, proving he can score on the bigger stage.

Botlon Wanderers were interested in signing Johnny Kenny

Over the summer, there was reported interest from Bolton Wanderers, whose £500k bid was either the limit of their budget or simply what they felt the player was worth. Either way, the figure fell well short of Celtic’s valuation for a forward with a strong CV and European goals to his name.

Sporting de Lisboa v Celtic FC – Pre-Season Friendly Johnny Kenny of Celtic FC runs with the ball during the pre-season friendly match between Sporting de Lisboa and Celtic FC at Estadio Algarve in Faro, Portugal, on July 16, 2025. Faro Portugal Photo DAX Images

It’s a fascinating subplot

That leaves the key question, do Celtic genuinely see Kenny as part of their future, or is the plan to send him back out on loan — perhaps to Falkirk as has been mooted — in the hope that a double-digit goal haul will inflate his transfer value for a future sale?

It’s a fascinating subplot. Rodgers likes Kenny and Kenny likes Rodgers, both have said as much. And if Kenny was ever going to stake his claim as a Celtic player, the moment might well be now.

This summer, Celtic bolstered their striking options with Callum Osmand and Shin Yamada. Osmand got some pre-season minutes, but when competitive action began, he was conspicuously absent from the matchday picture. A late loan move for him wouldn’t be a surprise, allowing him maximum time to see the standards required before heading out for regular football, again a Scottish Premiership move would make sense, Motherwell perhaps.

Sporting de Lisboa v Celtic FC – Pre-Season Friendly Johnny Kenny of Celtic FC runs with the ball during the pre-season friendly match between Sporting de Lisboa and Celtic FC at Estadio Algarve in Faro, Portugal, on July 16, 2025. Faro Portugal Photo DAX Images

Shin Yamada has shown promise with two lively cameo appearances

Yamada, meanwhile, has shown promise with two lively cameo appearances — one in pre-season and one against Aberdeen. Rodgers has praised his attitude and willingness to develop, though he’s hinted the Japanese forward still has work to do before becoming a reliable first-team option.

Those circumstances give Kenny a clear opening. If he backs himself, he may well feel he can go toe-to-toe with both Osmand and Yamada, and come out on top. Should Rodgers be satisfied with his progress, Kenny could become first-choice back-up to fellow Irishman Adam Idah. That’s as things stand, of course, and subject to any further striker recruitment before the transfer window closes.

Como, Italy, 24th July 2025. Adam Idah of Celtic reacts during the Ajax vs Celtic Pre Season Friendly match at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, Como. Photo: Jonathan Moscrop / Sportimage

The dynamic could hand Kenny another layer of opportunity

Then there’s Idah himself. The Irish international has started the season underwhelmingly. Yes, he’s had limited service, but he also looks half a yard off the pace and, crucially, doesn’t yet appear convinced himself that he’s Celtic’s main No.9. Rodgers has even hinted that Idah might benefit from genuine competition for his place, and given the evidence so far, Idah might be better suited as an impact sub or rotation option than as the undisputed starter.

That dynamic could hand Kenny another layer of opportunity. If Idah struggles to assert himself and the other new strikers are still adapting, Kenny’s energy, directness, and proven nose for goal could push him up the pecking order quicker than many expect.

4th July 2025; The City Stadium,; Pre Season Football Friendly, Queens Park versus Celtic; Johnny Kenny of Celtic celebrates with his team mates after he scores in the 20th minute to make it 1-0. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Celtic’s current four-man striker department feels like an audition

The next few weeks could be decisive. Whether Kenny’s new deal reflects genuine belief in his ability or simply a calculated move to protect and potentially enhance his resale value remains to be seen. What’s certain is that Celtic’s current four-man striker department feels like an audition, and it’s still not clear who will land the starring role or even if a new leading man will emerge.

For Kenny, the script is pretty much unwritten. He has the platform, he perhaps – you never quite know with Brendan Rodgers – has the backing of the manager. And, for now, he has a realistic chance to play his way into the heart of Celtic’s attack.

Johnny Kenny celebrates. Aberdeen 1-5 Celtic. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Whether this turns into a long-term leading role or just a well-packaged shop window performance is the question that will make this one so intriguing to watch.

Niall J

THE HANGOVER…So better late than never …

Kasper Schmeichel in control as Leighton Clarkson of Aberdeen stretches for the ball during the Scottish Premiership match between Aberdeen and Celtic at Pittodrie on 10 August 2025. Photo Stephen Dobson PSI

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