CELTIC striker Johnny Kenny has joined Preston in a reported £3million four-year deal.
The Republic of Ireland forward, 23, ended his four-year spell at Parkhead after joining from Sligo Rovers for £150,000 in August 2022.
Kenny, who scored seven goals in 32 first-team appearances for the Hoops, dropped down the pecking order at the champions with Martin O’Neill opting for Callum Osmand in recent matchday squads.
And the club also splashed something in the region of £17million-plus for Kasper Hogh, from Bodo/Glimt, and Qarabag’s Camilo Duran in the summer.
HEAD BHOY…Johnny Kenny leaves keeper Jack Butland helpless to open the scoring in Celtic’s 3-1 Premier Sports League Cup semi-final win over the Ibrox club last season.
Kenny sealed his deal just hours before his former Celtic team-mate Reo Hatate joined Burnley in the second-tier. The teams are scheduled to meet at Turf Moor on Boxing day.
Arne Engels will also be playing in the Championship this season following his £22million move to West Ham.
Deepdale boss Paul Heckingbottom, speaking on the club’s website, welcomed Kenny and said: “He’s a player who likes to play on the last line and make runs in behind. He’s a sharp player.
“He’s lively in the box and will look to get shots off, left foot, right foot. He works hard for the team.
“We need to do a lot of work with him tactically in terms of how we’re going to use him, but that’s the exciting bit now.”
Kenny struggled for game-time at Celtic and had loan spells at Shamrock Rovers and Bolton.
He joined the English club in January and claimed six goals and provided three assists in 14 matches, helping them achieve promotion to the Championship via the play-offs.
Unfortunately, Kenny missed the run-in through injury, but Preston will now give him the opportunity to pick up his career across the border.
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