Celtic's Johnny Kenny has had an unusual season, attributing his loan move to underperformance in a few matches. His exit in January marks a significant moment in his career.
Key points
Johnny Kenny had an unusual season at Celtic
His loan move was influenced by underperformance
He scored in the Scottish Cup Fourth Round
The loan is significant for his career trajectory
Johnny KennyCelticScottish Cup
Johnny Kenny’s weirdest season – Why Celtic sent him on loan
Johnny Kenny’s weirdest season – Why Celtic sent him on loan
Johnny Kenny’s been re-writing history a little as he puts his Celtic exit in January down to a few games in which he underperformed…
Johnny Kenny of Celtic celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Scottish Cup Fourth Round match between Auchinleck Talbot and Celtic at Rugby Park on January 18, 2026. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)
That night at Tannadice Johnny was probably enough for the Celtic support in the crowd as we watched with astonishment the different ways you could conceive to go about missing the target. Poor old Wilfried Nancy was needing a break and that game should have been out of sight by the interval but all we had to show for it was a Daizen Maeda goal and at least a hat-trick of terrible misses from yourself.
Johnny Kenny celebrates. Celtic v theRangers. Premier Sports Cup, semi final at Hampden. 2 November 2025. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)
Martin O’Neill would have been watching at to be fair to him he certainly did give you your chances in his first spell as interim manager. But Celtic needed a reliable goalscorer upfront and his conclusion was that it wasn’t going to be you for the rest of the season as he looked at bringing in re-enforcements in January and allowing you to go out on loan to Bolton Wanderers League One to re-build your confidence.
Q&A
Why did Celtic loan Johnny Kenny?
Celtic loaned Johnny Kenny due to his underperformance in several matches earlier in the season.
What were Johnny Kenny's performances like before his loan?
Before his loan, Johnny Kenny had a few games where he underperformed, which contributed to his exit from Celtic.
When did Johnny Kenny score for Celtic?
Johnny Kenny scored during the Scottish Cup Fourth Round match against Auchinleck Talbot on January 18, 2026.
What impact did Johnny Kenny's loan have on his career?
The loan move is seen as a pivotal moment for Johnny Kenny as he seeks to regain form and make a mark in his career.
Related Articles
MLB·Feature
Fantasy Baseball: Surprising stats through the first month of the 2026 MLB season
Check out these surprising stats from the first month of the 2026 MLB season!
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NFL·Preview
BYU's AJ Dybantsa makes big announcement ahead of NBA draft deadline: Live updates
BYU's AJ Dybantsa set to announce NBA draft intentions tomorrow!
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
MLB·Recap
Alex Cora Shakes Up Red Sox's Lineup Again For Pivotal Series Finale Vs. Yankees
Alex Cora shakes up the Red Sox lineup again for a crucial game against the Yankees.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NBA
Lakers predicted to trade for $90M All-Star rim protector as perfect Luka Doncic lob partner
Lakers predicted to trade for $90M All-Star rim protector, perfect for Doncic.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Gabriel Layrac gana la primera etapa de la Vuelta a Asturias
Gabriel Layrac se lleva la primera etapa de la Vuelta a Asturias
Marca··1 min read
Soccer
‘We have to look at it game-by-game’ – Guarino discusses West Ham United’s run-in
Guarino discusses West Ham's strategy as they near season's end.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
I’d say that was a pretty sensible outcome that works out well for all parties. Celtic brought in replacements, admittedly none have set the heather on fire, you have made nan impact out on loan and are talking up making the play-offs and hoping to get promotion to the Championship.
Johnny Kenny scores. Celtic v theRangers. Premier Sports Cup, semi final at Hampden. 2 November 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
Bolton are aware that Celtic will require a £1m fee to sign you on a permanent basis and your goals and performances are making that a more probably outcome which will suit all parties this coming summer, especially if Bolton do get promoted.
Here’s the latest from the on-loan Celtic striker who seems to feel a little hard-done by due to Martin O’Neill sanctioning a loan move in January.
“It’s been a whirlwind, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it,” Johnny Kenny told Bolton News. “It’s probably one of the weirdest seasons of my career, but probably, I would say, one of the best for the learnings and the experiences.
Johnny Kenny celebrates. Celtic v Falkirk. 29 October 2025. Scottish Premiership, photo Kenny Ramsay IMAGO
“At the end of August, when we signed a striker on deadline day, I thought I was going to struggle for minutes, but I got opportunities, and I’ve done pretty well. I’ve score goals for Celtic, I’ve scored in a Glasgow derby.
“I played a lot, started a lot of games, and then just two or three games of not being clinical, ruthless in front of goals, it changed, and I came down here to Bolton, and I think I started life pretty well,” Kenny said.
He added: “I’m thoroughly enjoying the challenge, and it’s time to step up. We need to put the work in so we get to the opportunity of the play-offs and then, in a play-off, I’d fancy ourselves against anyone.
Kelechi Iheanacho and Johnny Kenny. Dundee v Celtic. 19 October 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
“That was my desire. I wasn’t coming down here just to relax. I just wanted to come here to work and to apply my trade the best way possible because I know if I do that, we can get the results we want.”
Best of luck to Bolton Wanderers as they eye promotion, with Johnny Kenny playing a major role in helping to achieve that. A £1m deal in the summer will probably suit all parties.
Click to join Celtic Pools
More Stories / Latest News
Johnny Kenny’s weirdest season – Why Celtic sent him on loan
