In a sense, it is probably not a bad thing for Johnny Kenny that he is largely limited to cameo roles since he returned to Celtic at the beginning of the year.
The season of the Irish striker started effectively on February 23 last year when he was up in the Tolka Park in Shelbourne in the colors of his Shamrock Rovers loan club.
While Celtic ended after claiming the double last summer, Kenny’s season was in full swing.
Exchanged with League of Ireland matches, he played Champions League qualifications against Vikingur and Sparta Prague.
A snowstorm came from conference competition matches against Stellaire Namen, including Rapid Vienna and Chelsea.
All in all, he made 36 performances in front of Stephen Bradley and scored 20 times. And all that before you checked back in Lennoxown in December and was asked to show what he could do in the second half of the season of Celtic.
Johnny Kenny Savors The recognition of the traveling Celtic support after his goal at Pittodrie
The young Irish kenny nods home the fourth goal on one night when Aberdeen was surpassed
Kenny made his first start for Celtic and it was clear that there will be many more performances
Brendan Rodgers has aware of the need to manage his workload and has wrapped Kenny in cotton.
In the eight games that include his debut against Dundee and last weekend’s game with Hibs, he received a total of 66 minutes off the bank.
There were flashes of promise, but it would require Rodgers to give him the opportunity to play from the start for every observer to make a good assessment of his assets.
After 70 minutes in the lead and score in the extensive victory of Celtic over Aberdeen, it can be said with certainty that his first start will not be his last. There is an insured first touch, pace and game intelligence in its impressive package.
Signed from Sligo Rovers for a five -year -old deal in 2022, Kenny would never be an overnight success at Parkhead.
He played for Celtic’s B team, then went on loan to Queen’s Park. He won a title after he had moved to Rovers for their 2023 season, but it was still too early for him to insist a place with his parent club.
A second loan agreement with Bradley’s side was arranged and turned out to be mutual. With Kenny on board, Rovers became the first League of Ireland side that was eligible for the knockout round of a European competition. The experience he gained in Dublin has made him a feasible option for Rodgers.
A spectacular dive head in Pittodrie to claim that Celtic’s fourth of the night is perhaps the first of many.
Brendan Rodgers was happy with the patience that Kenny shown before he took his chance
Kenny had to wait for his time, while Daizzen Maeda and Adam Idah played as a striker
The lesser spotted Maik Nawrocki, at the top right, was also on the score sheet in 5-1 routes
“He arrived and is clearly limited in his chances, but it didn’t stop him,” said Rodgers.
“He worked so hard every day and it was really only about timing. It was about giving him the chance and he took it.
“It was a fantastic goal. His movement was really good. So that gave him enormous confidence.
‘I like him as a player. He clearly came to Celtic, left, got some experience.
“He has grown in the few months that we have had it from January. He is stronger.
‘His movement is really good and he is a natural goal scorer from 25 meters inside.
“He can get the goal he did tonight and is good with his left foot and right foot. I am so happy for him.
“A young guy from Ireland plays for Celtic and scored when your first goal at Pittodrie was great for him.”
Heaven could be the limit for Johnny Kenny if his first performance was something to visit
Aberdeen could do little to prevent the Irishman from scoring the fourth goal in a 5-1
One night when Maik Nawrocki also noted his first goal for the club with a thumping down header, Rodgers’ Fringe players gave him considerable food to think.
Another of the wave of academic players who are now knocking on the door, the 17-year-old midfielder Sean Mcardle also attracted attention after the last nine minutes.
A wonderful pass opened the defense of the down just before Adam Idah claimed his 20th goal of the season.
Back -up of an impressive debut from the bank against Hibs, Mcardle apparently wins the confidence of his manager.
“I liked him when he came up,” Rodgers added.
“I love the young players. Every Celtic player must have personality.
“And you could see at the age of 17, he comes into play, he gets the ball, he passes him.
“He also has a small edge that I like. And he plays a nice little one around the corner, which leads to Adam’s goal.
“And that is the personality you have to play for Celtic. So yes, I was really happy for Sean. ‘
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