THE BARRIER-BREAKING GOAL…Johnny Kenny (extreme left) turns away in triumph after leaving Aberdeen keeper Dimitar Mitov helpless with a flashing header.
Brendan Rodgers opened the way for the 21-year-old frontman in the second half of the season with the pacy attacker enjoying some fleeting first-team appearances.
In eight outings, totalling something around the 80-minute mark, the youngster failed to get that crucial breakthrough goal.
Until the 53rd minute in the Scottish Cup Final dress rehearsal against Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Wednesday.
The visitors were already leading 3-1 through strikes from Maik Nawrocki, Yang Hyun-jun and Luke McCowan as the Dons threatened to buckle under the pressure against a new-look line-up.
McCowan pitched over a perfect cross from the left, Kenny timed his run to absolute perfection and his flicked header swept wide of the helplessly sprawling Dimitar Mitov.
It was a moment of sheer joy – and relief – for Kenny and was warmly applauded and appreciated by Rodgers who said afterwards: “He’s come in and obviously been limited in his opportunities, but it’s not stopped him.
“He’s worked so hard every day and it was just about timing, really. It was about giving him the opportunity and he took it.
HOOP HOOP HOORAY…Johnny Kenny savours his breakthrough goal.
“It was a fantastic goal. His movement was really good. So, that gave him huge confidence.
“I like him as a player. He’s obviously come into Celtic earlier, went away, got some experience. He’s grown over the few months we’ve had him from January and he’s got stronger.”
Rodgers, speaking to the Daily Mail, added: “His movement’s really good and he’s a natural goalscorer from 25 yards in.
“He can get the goal that he did against Aberdeen and is good with his left foot and right foot. I’m so pleased for him.
“A young guy from Ireland, playing for Celtic and then scoring your first goal at Pittodrie was amazing for him.”
Kenny is hoping for another chance to add to his debut goal when Celtic bring down the curtain on another triumphant league campaign – their thirteenth title in 14 years – when St Mirren visit Parkhead tomorrow on Flag Day.
