Reports are circulating in Ireland that Celtic have got the jump on fellow Cinch Premiership side Hibs and are now on the verge of signing highly rated youngster Johnny Kenny from League of Ireland club Sligo Rovers. Niall J provided details on this potential move to Celtic for the Irish striker back on 14 December (see below).
READ THIS…The Strachan Review, Johnny Kenny and Developing Irish Talent
Hibs have been showing huge interest in the Republic of Ireland U19’s striker, however it is understood that Celtic are the frontrunners to get Kenny’s signature with a fee of €150,000 with potential add ons for Rovers being mooted.
The teenager has been of massive interest since making his senior debut with Rovers last season. The striker featured prominently in Liam Buckley’s side last season, scoring 11 goals in 33 matches as Rovers finished third in the SSE Eirtricity Premier Division which guaranteed them European football this year.
Kenny had been guest of honour at Hibs for their league game with Dundee back in December as both Hibs and Celtic battled for the youngsters signature but it’s understood Celtic have come out on top.
Johnny Kenny set for Celtic. The deal set to be completed in the next few days.
Top top young talent and I wish him all the best. #CelticFC #sligorovers #johnnykenny pic.twitter.com/1hs6iQM2hj
— Irish Footy Vlogs (@FitzsimonsKeith) January 3, 2022
Kenny is a prospect and if he signs won’t be in the same bracket as the three players who have recently arrived from Japan who will all be heading straight into the first team set up. Clearly Kenny will be looked at as one for the future and will more than likely be put into the Celtic B team set up under coach Tommy McIntyre to develop his game.
With the B team implementing the same style of play as the first team under the recommendation of Ange Postecoglou, there is a continuation of the Australian’s philosophy throughout the club which will only benefit the likes of Kenny in the long run as they try to impress enough to come into the first team reckoning, as players such as Owen Moffat have already done this season.
🇮🇪 | Johnny Kenny
Celtic will complete the signing of Sligo Rovers striker Johnny Kenny in the coming days.
The 18 year old has a release clause of just £126K & scored eleven times in the Irish top flight last season.
[@SligoChampion] pic.twitter.com/ZBiLDwvkjS
— Everything Celtic (@aboutceltic) January 3, 2022
This potential signing is unlikely to peak a lot of interest in Celtic fans but it is important that we look to countries such as Ireland to see if there are bargains to be found. To be totally honest it’s a huge step up from playing in the League of Ireland to try and work your way into the Celtic senior set up but it can be done, as Liam Scales has proven. Scales arrived in the summer from Shamrock Rovers and has progressed quicker than many imagined and is currently Celtic’s back up to Greg Taylor at left back.
Conall McGinty
Celtic expected to edge out SPL rivals Hibernian to land Sligo Rover's ace Kenny https://t.co/XGG19KWQY0
— Irish Sun Sport (@IrishSunSport) January 4, 2022
Another small 5.9’’ forward. Any 6.3” left sided centre backs or strikers in prospect?
A good big yin is better than a good small yin when we have a plethora of small yins.