Martin O’Neill will get Johnny Kenny scoring goals again

Martin O’Neill can get Johnny Kenny in amongst the goals again, but a new striker is still a matter of urgency…

Livingston Goalkeeper Jerome Prior sliding in at the feet of Johnny Kenny
Livingston Goalkeeper Jerome Prior sliding in at the feet of Johnny Kenny of Celtic during the Scottish Premiership match between Livingston and Celtic at Set Fare Arena on December 27, 2025. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

Conceding 18 goals in eight games kinda tells you where our problems lie, but our lack of power and depth up top has hurt us just as bad as we’ve registered just 11 goals in that same time period, with our lack of cutting edge in front of goal costing us just as dearly.

One man who has been guilty of wasting serval chances is Johnny Kenny, with the Irishman spurning an alarming amount of opportunities.

Mitov denies Johnny Kenny
21.12.2025 Celtic v Aberdeen, Scottish Premiership Dimitar Mitov denies Johnny Kenny a goal. Photo Kenny Ramsay. IMAGO

Indeed without exaggeration, The Sligo man could be out of sight in the race to be the SPFL Premiership top scorer for this season had he taken all the chances he’s been presented with these past few weeks.

Ironically Kenny looked the part under Martin O’Neill in his previous short spell in charge, scoring 4 goals in 8 games, including the opener in the 3-1 Premier Sports cup semi final against theRangers.

However, the Irishman’s good form deserted him after the introduction of Wilfried Nancy, although to be fair he wasn’t the only one, and he looked a pale shadow of the confident and competent frontman he was under Martin O’Neill.

Johnny Kenny gets his shot away
21.12.2025 Celtic v Aberdeen, Scottish Premiership. Johnny Kenny gets his shot away Photo Kenny Ramsay

Spurned chances, and a total loss of confidence derailed the players sparkling form which had also resulted in a call up to the senior Republic of Ireland side, as he took the brunt of criticism from the supporters such was his woeful form.

After the sacking of Nancy and the reappointment of Martin O’Neill it could prove to be a lifeline for the striker if he rediscovers the form he showed last time out under the Irishman.

Johnny Kenny misses.
Johnny Kenny misses. Dundee Utd v Celtic, Scottish Premiership. Tannadice, 17 December 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

That said however, we are still in dire need of a new striker to add to our powderpuff forward line. Someone who knows the way to goal. That is still indeed a matter of great urgency. But Johnny Kenny could yet provide in the meantime. I reckon he’ll start today and will find the back of the net at least once against Dundee United.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

All Books Now Half Price in the Celtic Star Books January Sale…

These books now available at at HALF PRICE in our January sale - click on image to order...
These books now available at at HALF PRICE in our January sale – click on image to order…
Order from Celtic Star Books HERE!
Order from Celtic Star Books HERE!

Please note that p&p is priced at £4.50 is only charged on ONE book so you can buy as many of our books as you like and the postage cost will remain the same. Why not expand your Celtic library today?

About Author

An ordinary everyday Celtic supporters hailing and still residing in Govan in the shadows of the enemy. I’m a season ticket holder. I Witnessed my first Celtic game in 1988 and have attended when I can ever since. Growing up in the 90s I witnessed Celtic at their lowest, and now appreciate the historic success we enjoy today. I enjoy writing about this wonderful football club and hopefully will continue to do so. I’ve always been a keen writer and initially started this a hobby. My ambition is to one day become as good an author as my fellow Celtic Star colleagues.

Welcome to our Live Comments section, where new comments will appear automatically

3 Comments

  1. Sad to say , he not going to make it , he wouldn’t even be the answer to Livingstons relegation problem if played there . He had one more goal (4) than the amount of managers we’ve had this season , and it’s the same story almost every week . He isn’t a Celtic player .

  2. As much as I would love this to be true, on today’s showing it’s not going to happen. Kenny looks like a boy with two left feet who kicks with his right. It’s a shame, but he’s not up to it.

Leave A Reply