Johnny Kenny Signs Long-Term Celtic Deal Until 2029

Republic of Ireland Under-21 striker commits future after breakthrough season and first-team goal against Aberdeen

Former Sligo Rovers and Shamrock Rovers striker Johnny Kenny has committed his future to Celtic by signing a new contract extension, keeping him at the Scottish champions until 2029.

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international joined Celtic in January 2022 on a five-year deal from Sligo Rovers. He has since had loan spells with Queen’s Park and Shamrock Rovers, the latter yielding an impressive 25 goals last season.

Kenny scored his first Celtic goal in May during a 5-1 victory over Aberdeen — a fixture Celtic will revisit this Sunday in league action.

Speaking on the extension, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers said:

“It’s good news for Johnny and for the club. He’s a young player who was signed a few years ago, went away, gained experience, and has come back showing real improvement since returning in January.

We believe there’s still a great deal more development in him. He’s quick, hungry, and we think he can become a real asset for the club in the future.”

Kenny credited his manager’s faith as a key factor in his decision.

“All I wanted to do was commit my future to this club, and I’m delighted it’s now done,” he told Celtic TV.

“I feel really proud. I spoke to the manager at the start of the summer and it was about getting everything finalised.

I like to think I can score goals, and having the manager believe in me makes a big difference when I’m in and around the box, knowing I have his trust.

I want to achieve everything possible here — play Champions League football, win every trophy available, and score goals. That’s my aim.”

Currently competing with Daizen Maeda, Adam Idah, and Shin Yamada for first-team places, Kenny could still go out on loan if Rodgers strengthens his attacking options before the transfer window closes.

“At this very moment he’s here and part of our squad,” Rodgers added. “Between now and the end of the month there’s still work to be done across the squad, but he’s had an excellent pre-season and worked very hard.

This new deal will give him confidence and reinforce that he is valued here. Like with all players, we’ll continue to assess his situation, but for now, he’s very much in our plans.”