Johnny Kenny Tipped to Be Major Celtic Asset as Striker Signs Contract Extension Until 2029

Republic of Ireland Under-21 forward earns long-term deal after breakthrough performances under Brendan Rodgers

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers believes Johnny Kenny can become a major asset for the club after the Irish striker signed a long-term contract extension.

The 22-year-old has committed his future to the Scottish champions until 2029, having impressed during pre-season and featured in the opening Premiership win over St Mirren.

Kenny scored his first Celtic goal in May in a 5-1 victory away to Aberdeen — a fixture Celtic will revisit on Sunday in league action.

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

Speaking on the new deal, Rodgers said:

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

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

Kenny expressed how much his manager’s backing meant to him.

“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 just about finalising everything.

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 at this club — play in the Champions League, win every trophy available, and score goals. That’s my aim.”

Currently competing with Daizen Maeda, Adam Idah, and Shin Yamada for first-team opportunities, Kenny could still be sent out on loan if Celtic secure further attacking reinforcements before the transfer window closes.

Rodgers added:

“At this moment he’s here and part of our squad. Between now and the end of the month, there’s still work to do across the squad, but he’s had a really good pre-season and worked very hard.

This 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 thinking.”

A week after warning the Celtic board that he would only consider extending his own contract if they matched his ambition, Rodgers offered no fresh update on his personal future but reassured supporters that work was ongoing behind the scenes.

Since issuing that statement, Celtic have secured a loan move for Manchester City defender Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, who was already at the club when Rodgers made his comments.

On the transfer situation, Rodgers said:

“There’s no news — I’ve got nothing new for you.

It’s very clear what we need to improve, and there’s a lot of work going on, both by ourselves and probably by every club. That’s the reality at this time of year. We’re hoping to conclude some deals and strengthen the squad.”

Asked why more deals had not been finalised, he replied:

“There are obviously many factors involved. I don’t handle the negotiations, so I can’t answer that directly, but I know a lot of work and discussions are happening behind the scenes.”

Although Celtic have made several summer signings, some are considered long-term projects. The forward line still needs strengthening, with Yamada yet to make his debut.

Celtic did not replace Kyogo Furuhashi in January following his sale to Rennes, and they have since suffered further setbacks with Jota sidelined by a long-term knee injury and Nicolas Kühn sold to Como.

Rodgers added:

“The board have shown over many years that they get the work done. They run the club very well and will always aim to secure both the best players and the best value for the club.

Of course, as coaches, managers, and supporters, we all want the best players, but ultimately the club has to operate in a way that ensures it gets the right deals. That’s beyond my role.

We want to improve the squad, and the board want to as well. I’m hopeful we can achieve that — I just can’t afford to get bogged down in it.”