JOHNNY KENNY has fired in three goals in Celtic’s back-to-back wins over Falkirk and Rangers.
Remarkably, it took the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international striker the best part of four years to claim his first two.
Kenny was signed by Ange Postecoglou from Sligo Rovers in January 2022, but had to be patient for his chance of a breakthrough at the champions following a brief – and goalless – 12-game switch to Queen’s Park and two lengthy loan spells at Shamrock Rovers.
The lively 22-year-old attacker took the opportunity to impress Martin O’Neill with a double strike in the interim manager’s return to the Parkhead dug-out after an absence of two decades.
HEADMASTER…Johnny Kenny watches his header flash past keeper Jack Butland to open the scoring in Celtic’s 3-1 Premier Sports League Cup semi-final victory at Hampden.
Kenny tucked a first-half double behind ex-Hoops No.1 Scott Bain to ease the tension on his 73-year-old gaffer in the 4-0 win over Falkirk a week ago.
That was followed by a whiplash header to open the scoring in the 3-1 extra-time Premier Sports League Cup semi-final victory over Danny Rohl’s Ibrox side at Hampden on Sunday.
Now Kenny is poised to start the Europa League encounter against FC Midtjylland in Denmark tomorrow night.
Looking at the somersault in fortunes, the frontman said: “Yeah, it’s obviously amazing. I’ve had tough days in my career that have made these moments so worth it.
“You can’t get too high with highs and too low with lows.
“You have to be mentally strong in this game to succeed. I’m happy where I am now.
“Football is just an enjoyment sport at the end of the day and when it gets tough you need to just think about how enjoyable it is and just be calm and stay in the moment.”
JOY BHOYS…Johnny Kenny and Benjamin Nygren celebrate the Irishman’s second goal in Celtic’s 4-0 win over Falkirk last midweek.
Reflecting on the win that set up a showpiece showdown against St Mirren at the national stadium on Sunday December 14, Kenny, speaking to the Daily Record, continued: “I think it was a brilliant performance from us.
“For me, personally, I’m very happy to get the goal. As a striker, you just want to score goals.
“Obviously, it was a big performance and a big result for us.”
Speaking of the influence of the charismatic O’Neill, Kenny noted: “Yeah, it’s been brilliant for absolutely every single one of us.
“He’s come in as a club legend and bred us with such confidence.”
Kenny, who enjoyed some European nights with Shamrock Rovers last season, hopes to be given the nod against the Danes and added: “I’d like to hope so, but it’s the management who will make the call.
“I’ll just go with the decision, keep working hard and, hopefully, get more opportunities.
“Midtjylland are flying high, so I think they’re going to try to take the game from us. There might be a lot more space for us to exploit. European games and league games can be different.
“You need to adapt to whatever system the opposition are going to play.
“Obviously, I had a great run last year in Europe.
“But, look, I just want to stay in the moment and enjoy every game and opportunity I get from playing for this club.”
