Celtic fans hail Johnny Kenny after Shamrock Rovers European hero makes debut
Ireland Under-21 striker Johnny Kenny came on for Adam Idah late in Celtic’s win over Ross County.
Johnny Kenny made his long-awaited Celtic first-team debut on Saturday when he came on as a substitute for fellow Irishman Adam Idah in the Bhoys’ 4-1 win away to Ross County.
And while Kenny came close to marking his first appearance with a goal, he did provide an assist for Celtic’s fourth, with a determined run that saw the ball spill to Luke McCowan.
The former Sligo Rovers prospect has been a Celtic player since January 2022, but has had to bide his time before finally making his senior debut.
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In between, there were loan spells at Queens Park and Shamrock Rovers, with Kenny spending two seasons at Tallaght Stadium.
He was brought back to Scotland by Brendan Rodgers after his sensational run last year for Rovers at home and in Europe.
Kenny is joint-ninth in the Europa Conference League goalscoring charts thanks to his five league phase goals, including a memorable equaliser away to Rapid Vienna.
He finished the 2024 campaign with 20 goals in 38 appearances for the Irish Hoops.
Kenny was sprung from the bench after 73 minutes of Celtic’s win on Saturday, with the scoreline still at 1-1, and it wasn’t long before the champions were ahead through Kyogo Furuhashi.
Arne Engels made it 3-1 from the penalty spot in the sixth minute of injury-time, while Kenny’s battling, which saw him cut in from the left and then receive the ball again in the area, where he appeared to be tripped as he nudged it on, teed up McCowan for the game’s final goal.
Bhoys fans were delighted with his cameo - with many of them taking to social media to hail the Sligo native.
Some of the comments included:
“Johnny Kenny is a player. Hope he kicks on now.”
“What a debut for Johnny Kenny”
“I know idah done a nice flick for the 1st, but Johnny kenny offered so much more than he did”
“Johnny Kenny showing that he has something to offer with a positive Celtic debut today. Put himself about well and showed great persistence to help set up Luke McCowan’s goal. The loan at Shamrock Rovers has served him well.”
“Johnny Kenny looks like the real deal. Unlucky not to score imo.”
“There's a good player in Johnny Kenny. Hopefully he gets his chance!”
“Johnny Kenny played excellent when he came on deserves more game time”
“Johnny Kenny’s just moved himself up the pecking order. Looks absolutely solid up top. Well played”
Some fans put the boot into Ireland striker Idah while praising Kenny.
“Hate to say it but honestly Johnny Kenny looked more effective than Idah has done all season.”
“Johnny Kenny has done more in 20 mins than Idah has done last 8 games.”
“Johnny Kenny brings more to this team that Idah”
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