“When we needed something different, he was able to give us that,” Rodgers on Johnny Kenny

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The Celtic Star

·12 de janeiro de 2025

“When we needed something different, he was able to give us that,” Rodgers on Johnny Kenny

The Celtic boss yesterday reserved a special mention in his post-match interviews for Johnny Kenny, who came into the game and certainly gave us a boost in the Highlands on Saturday afternoon…

Jonhny Kenny. Ross County v Celtic in Dingwall. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

The young Irishman was recalled from his loan deal in Ireland with Shamrock Rovers after impressing both domestically and in Europe this season.

Vídeos OneFootball

Celtic’s third striker

Celtic celebrations. Ross County v Celtic in Dingwall. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

With many calls within the support and Brendan Rodgers himself on the lookout for a possible third striker to help ease the burden on Kyogo and Adam Idah, fellow Irishman Rodgers decided it was time to give the young man a run out for his beloved Celtic and he didn’t disappoint. Nearly getting on the scoresheet, Kenny proved himself to be a real nuisance for the County defenders and was always in the mix and wreaking havoc.

His goalscoring exploits with Rovers back home has certainly given him a confidence and experience of playing regular first team football – especially on the European stage – albeit in the third-tier Europa Conference League group stages. But I don’t seem to remember too much being said of its standard when West Ham won it a few years back, despite their millions of pounds spent on players.

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Brendan Rodgers. Ross County v Celtic in Dingwall. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Loan move has given Kenny the platform to get his chance at Celtic

That loan move has given Johnny the platform now to come back and really try and make his mark at Celtic Park. His fellow countryman, Adam Idah, has been toiling in front of goal somewhat of late and before today, Kyogo has been blowing hot and cold at times. So there is every chance that he can push them both to the limits and bring out their best. Likewise, it could even see him involved ahead of Idah if he keeps those sorts of performances from the bench up and adds goals to them.

Johnny Kenny celebrates. Ross County v Celtic in Dingwall. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Kenny’s manager was delighted for him after the match and revealed to BBC Scotland it was very much deserved this opportunity. “On young Johnny, it’s a great day for him to make his debut for Celtic,” Rodgers said. “It’ll be an amazing feeling for him. Like you say, he came in a few years ago, had to go away – get some experience on loan. He’s done very well at Shamrock and when we needed something different in the game, he was able to come in and give us that. So pleased for him.”

Brendan Rodgers is keen to strengthen Celtic in the January transfer window, despite moving 18 points clear in the Scottish Premiership title race. #BBCFootball
– sábado, 11 de janeiro de 2025

Hopefully see more of this Bhoy 🍀 [image or embed] — Lou 🍀🦻 (@loumunro.bsky.social) 11 January 2025 at 21:28

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