Shamrock Rovers are interested in securing a permanent move for Celtic loanee Jonny Kenny after his standout performances have helped propel the club towards a historic achievement.
On Thursday, Kenny scored in Rovers’ 2-1 victory over TNS in Conference League action, putting the club on the verge of becoming the first Irish side to qualify for the knockout stages of European competition through the new league phase. With three games left to play, Shamrock Rovers are sitting on seven points, with Kenny playing a key role in their success this season.
Kenny, who signed a five-year contract with Celtic in January 2022, has spent much of his time away from Parkhead, having previously impressed at Sligo Rovers. He’s now had two loan spells with Shamrock Rovers, scoring 17 goals in 2024, including four in Europe.
Rovers’ manager Stephen Bradley is keen to keep the striker and continue their successful partnership. He spoke to RTE, saying: “We have a great relationship with Celtic at all levels, and our position is clear. We respect that Jonny is contracted to Celtic, and whatever they decide, goes. But it’s clear that Shamrock Rovers has been good for Jonny, and he’s been fantastic for us. I’d love to keep him here.”
Bradley continued in his pre-match press conference, acknowledging that Celtic ultimately holds the decision on Kenny’s future: “Celtic are the ones with the final say. They’re his club, and we have to respect that. But we have a strong, open dialogue with Celtic. Too often in this country, when players have a good season, the immediate instinct is to move them on. But sometimes that leads to their development stalling.
“Last year, when I spoke to Jonny with six months left on his loan, there were talks about him moving to Belgium or Holland, but I told him he should stay with us. We looked at the numbers, and I explained how we could help him develop here. To his credit, he trusted us.
“Now, when I speak to him about his future, he’s a much more calm and mature person. The young player I met in Sligo was in a rush and eager to prove himself, but now he’s focused and in a good place. It’s important for him to keep developing with us, and I think there’s a huge benefit for him in staying next year and leading this team. He still has a lot to achieve, and I think staying here will help him fulfill his potential.”
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