Johnny Kenny signs back on loan with Shamrock Rovers from Celtic

Shamrock Rovers have reached an agreement with Celtic to extend Johnny Kenny’s loan for another season.

The promising young striker joined the Hoops on loan from Scottish champions for the 2023 League of Ireland season where he made 30 league appearances, scoring five goals, as Rovers won their fourth league title in a row.

Hoops Head Coach Stephen Bradley was speaking with shamrockrovers.ie about the loan extension for Kenny - it means Rovers have retained all three players they had on loan last season for 2024 (with Trevor Clarke and Markus Poom)

“I am absolutely delighted,” said Bradley. “Johnny showed last season, as a young player which people tend to forget, that he’s still learning the game and there’s still much room for improvement and growth. He’s one who we feel really fits what we do.

"He’s a brilliant kid with a brilliant attitude and we feel he’s got all the potential to be a high-level centre forward. So, we’re absolutely delighted to have him back.”

The Ireland U21 international has yet to make his first-team debut for Celtic since joining from Sligo Rovers in January 2022. His latest stint in Tallaght will be his third loan spell, having previously endured a difficult time in the Scottish Championship with Queen’s Park in 2022.

Speaking to shamrockrovers.ie the Sligo youngster expressed his enthusiasm to be back in Dublin 24 and he will hope that another successful year with Rovers can push him closer to a Parkhead breakthrough.

“I’m delighted to be back,” said the 20-year-old striker. “Winning the title was massive for us last year and was a big incentive for me to come back. Hopefully we can kick on this year and go further in Europe and in the cup,” said Kenny.

“I didn’t play to my best last year, hopefully I'll get back fully fit this year and be able to show the fans what I’m really about.”

Head Coach Stephen Bradley also suggested that there was more to come from the youngster.

“People just see the player on the pitch,” he said. “What you must also understand is that he had a difficult 18 months before he came to us, and it takes time for a player to adjust, to a new environment, and new teammates, so it takes time and doesn’t just happen overnight.

“The positive thing is he’s young with a top-class attitude. He’s looking to improve, to work hard and wants to get better. I think he’s got real ability and I think Johnny can fulfil that here and hopefully we can help him fulfil that ability.”

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— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) January 20, 2024