Johnny Kenny opens up on his Celtic future as he addresses contract talks and potential loan exit amid transfer interest

Scottish Sun

2 days ago

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
JOHNNY KENNY has told Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers he's ready to sign a new contract now and push hard to become a Hoops goal hero.
The 22-year-old Irishman has gone into the last 12-months of his deal after costing a six-figure sum from Sligo Rovers in January, 2022.
Sign up for the Celtic newsletter
Sign up
4
Johnny Kenny celebrates his goal against Queen's Park
Credit: Kenny Ramsay
The Republic of Ireland under-21 ace is wanted by Bolton - they've had a £500,000 bid rejected - and a host of other clubs, also keen on a loan agreement for the new season.
But Hoops manager Rodgers is holding fire just now as he carefully decides Kenny's immediate future - as an established part of his squad plans or to go out again to get more regular action elsewhere.
First, though, he wants the frontman - one start, one goal for Celtic - to put pen to paper on a contract extension.
Kenny scored in the champions' opening pre-season friendly against Queen's Park while he started in the 2-1 win over Cork City on Tuesday night to grab the Cork Super Cup.
He's full of belief - and desperate to pledge his future to his boyhood heroes.
Asked if he was keen on a new contract, Kenny - previous loan spells at Queen's Park and Shamrock Rovers - said: 'Yes, and hopefully that can be done soon.
'I'd love to sign a new contract for this club.
'At the end of the day it's the club I want to play for.
'Since I came back in January, I can't describe how good the manager's been for me.
'Obviously, he wants me to sign a new deal, so I think that's very promising for me at this club and I'll be happy to sign a new contract.
The diggers move in as Celtic Park pitch is dug up
'I don't really see it being a problem at all.
'When it's going to get done, hopefully in the next few weeks.
'We need to start talks now and let's see where it goes from there.'
Kenny's prepared to leave Celtic again if Rodgers believes it's his best chance of STAYING with the champions.
The ambitious Irish striker's very keen to sign an extended contract beyond his current deal which is up next May.
Rodgers has made it clear enough that's his immediate wish for the 22-year-old - and it's great news for Bolton-target Kenny who has been just as crystal with his agent over making that a priority.
But once that's done and dusted - and there's no vibe it won't happen - then it's down to Rodgers to decide what the best option is for the Republic of Ireland under-21 ace…going out on loan again or staying within the top squad for the new campaign.
Kenny's faith in his manager is such that he's prepared to wholeheartedly go with whatever he feels is right.
4
It feels like a massive, pivotal moment in his career with hopes and dreams of glory with Celtic and his national team filling his head.
But the calm former Sligo Rovers youngster - previous loan spells with Shamrock Rovers and Queen's Park behind him - revealed: 'I'll leave it to the manager to make a decision on that.
'Wherever I am, obviously I want to play football.
'I want to develop myself and I think playing games is going to develop me.
'Obviously, I also want to break into the national team and I think playing games is the way I'm going to get into that team.
'Whatever the manager decides, I think he'll have a pathway for me.
'I don't think he's going to keep me here and not play me.
'So, whatever the manager decides I'm all behind it.
'Everything he's told me since January has been 100-per-cent, so I believe in the manager.
'My confidence is high at the moment and I think that comes from the manager.
4
'As I said, since I came back, the manager - the way he spoke to me in front of the group and individually - it's just been amazing.
'I think it's all down to him.
'And I hope to get opportunities to repay him.
'Obviously, he wants me to sign a new deal, so I think that's very promising for me at this club and I'll be happy to sign a new contract.
'I don't really see it being a problem at all.
'When it's going to get done, hopefully in the next few weeks.
'We need to start talks now and let's see where it goes from there.'
Kenny's had just one first team start - but managed a goal, against Aberdeen at Pittodrie in May.
A clinical winner against Queen's Park at Lesser Hampden last Friday underlined his potential after he finished last season strongly, including a Scottish Cup final appearance off the bench and a converted penalty in the heartbreaking shoot-out defeat to Aberdeen.
And Kenny feels ready to be a Celtic player.
He said: 'Yes, 100-per-cent.
4
He came off the bench against Rangers last season
Credit: Kenny Ramsay
'I came in, learned my trade the last few months, learned the system in and out of possession and I feel like I'm ready to kick on now.
'Hopefully, I get the opportunity to do that.
'The Aberdeen game I started. The manager spoke to me beforehand and gave me the confidence to go out on the pitch and be confident, get a goal and perform.
'That's what happened on the night.
'My dream is to represent this club on a daily basis and play so many games for this club.
'I hope I can break in and get opportunities to do that because that's all I want to do.
'It's such a big club and I want to be part of it.
'If I get opportunities I back myself to score.
'It was good to get off the mark on Friday and I just want to keep getting minutes and hopefully get more goals.'
Kenny, meanwhile, paid tribute to fellow Irishman and £9.5 million Celtic star Adam Idah for his influence.
He added: 'Adam's brilliant, a fellow countryman and you can see how well he's done since he came in over the last 18-months.
'He's always trying to help, whether it's me or the other strikers.
'He's always there if you need something.
'It's brilliant to have someone in your position, and fellow countryman, who is always there to help.'
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page