In one sense, it’s probably no bad thing for Johnny Kenny that he’s largely been restricted to cameo roles since returning to Celtic at the turn of the year.
The Irish striker’s season effectively began on February 23 last year when he ran out at Shelbourne’s Tolka Park in the colours of his loan club Shamrock Rovers.
As Celtic were winding down after claiming the double last summer, Kenny’s season was in full swing.
Interspersed with League of Ireland games, he played Champions League qualifiers against Vikingur and Sparta Prague.
There then came a blizzard of Conference League matches against stellar names including Rapid Vienna and Chelsea.
All told, he made 36 appearances for Stephen Bradley’s side, scoring 20 times. And all that before checking back into Lennoxtown in December and being asked to show what he could do in the second half of Celtic’s season.
Johnny Kenny savours the acclaim of the travelling Celtic support after his goal at Pittodrie
Young Irishman Kenny nods home the fourth goal on a night when Aberdeen were outclassed
Kenny was making his first start for Celtic and it was clear there will be many more appearances to come
Aware of the need to manage his workload, Brendan Rodgers has wrapped Kenny in cotton wool.
In the eight games encompassing his debut against Dundee and last weekend’s game with Hibs, he was afforded a total of 66 minutes from the bench.
There were flashes of promise, but it would require Rodgers to grant him a chance to play from the outset for any observer to make any proper assessment of his ability.
After starring for 70 minutes and scoring in Celtic’s comprehensive win over Aberdeen, it can be said with some certainty that his first start won’t be his last. There’s an assured first touch, pace and game-intelligence in his impressive package.
Signed from Sligo Rovers on a five-year deal in 2022, Kenny was never going to be an overnight success at Parkhead.
He played for Celtic’s B team then went out on loan to Queen’s Park. He won a title after moving to Rovers for their 2023 season, but it was still deemed too soon for him to push for a place with his parent club.
A second loan deal with Bradley’s side was arranged and proved to be mutually beneficial. With Kenny on board, Rovers became the first League of Ireland side to qualify for the knockout round of a European competition. The experience he gained in Dublin has turned him into a viable option for Rodgers.
A spectacular diving header at Pittodrie to claim Celtic’s fourth of the night might well prove to be the be the first of many.
Brendan Rodgers was delighted with the patience shown by Kenny before taking his chance
Kenny has had to bide his time while Daizen Maeda and Adam Idah have played as striker
The lesser-spotted Maik Nawrocki, above right, was also on the scoresheet in 5-1 rout
‘He’s come in and obviously been limited in his opportunities, but it’s not stopped him,’ said Rodgers.
‘He’s worked so hard every day and it was just about timing, really. It was about giving him the opportunity and he took it.
‘It was a fantastic goal. His movement was really good. So, that gave him huge confidence.
‘I like him as a player. He’s obviously come into Celtic earlier, went away, got some experience.
‘He’s grown over the few months we’ve had him from January. He’s got stronger.
‘His movement’s really good and he’s a natural goal scorer from 25 yards in.
‘He can get the goal that he did tonight and is good with his left foot and right foot. I’m so pleased for him.
‘A young guy from Ireland, playing for Celtic and then scoring your first goal at Pittodrie was amazing for him.’
The sky could be the limit for Johnny Kenny if his first appearance was anything to go by
Aberdeen could do little to stop the Irishman scoring the fourth goal in a 5-1 hammering
On a night when Maik Nawrocki also notched his first goal for the club with a thumping downward header, Rodgers’ fringe players gave him substantial food for thought.
Another of the wave of academy players who are now knocking on the door, 17-year-old midfielder Sean McArdle also caught the eye after being given the final nine minutes.
A delightful pass opened up the Dons’ defence just before Adam Idah claimed his 20th goal of the season.
Backing up an impressive debut from the bench against Hibs, McArdle evidently is winning his manager’s trust.
‘I liked him when he came on,’ Rodgers added.
‘I like the young players. Any Celtic player has to have personality.
‘And you could see at 17, he comes into the game, he gets the ball, he passes it.
‘He’s got a wee edge to him as well that I like. And he plays a lovely little one round the corner, which leads to Adam’s goal.
‘And that’s the personality you need to have to play for Celtic. So, yes, I was really pleased for Sean.’
