Celtic FC may love fresh Steven Schumacher prediction at Bolton Wanderers | OneFootball

Johnny Kenny made his Bolton Wanderers debut in their 1-1 draw against Lincoln City last weekend

Steven Schumacher believes that Johnny Kenny has what it takes to become a key part of the Celtic team following his performances on loan at Bolton Wanderers.

The forward arrived at the Whites in the January transfer window, and he made his first appearance for the club in their 1-1 draw against Lincoln City last weekend.

The Ireland international struggled for consistent minutes at Parkhead in the first half of the season, playing 15 times, with only eight of those appearances coming as a starter.

Kenny contributed four goals and two assists in the Premiership, while also playing three times in the Europa League in what has been a mixed campaign for Celtic.

Bolton will now be hoping that the 22-year-old will be able to fire the club to the Championship, with their sights set on promotion this term amid competition from the likes of Cardiff City, Lincoln and Stockport County heading into the final stages of the season.

Steven Schumacher makes Johnny Kenny, Celtic prediction at Bolton Wanderers

Schumacher has made it clear that he is pleased with the signing of Kenny from the January window, praising the forward for his impact in the dressing room so far.

He believes that the 22-year-old has what it takes to play regularly at Celtic, and that he could be a difference-maker in the club’s pursuit of automatic promotion from League One this season.

Celtic may love this prediction as well as Bolton, with Kenny's long-term future north of the border firmly in mind. For the time being, though, it's all about how he can aid the Trotters' promotion efforts and refine his game with regular minutes in a competitive division for a side battling it out right at the top-end.

“That's part of our job to try and help him develop,” said Schumacher, via The Bolton News.

“We want him to score goals and give us a chance to get promoted. That's the main objective. But me as a coach, it's time to help him as well.

“I have to ask myself: ‘How can he get better? Who knows what level he could be going back to play at.

“I think he could play for Celtic regularly because he's that good. But obviously, he just needs to keep playing and keep getting goals and keep showing everybody what we think he can do.

“He is a good lad. I'm really pleased to have him here. And as I say, hopefully he enjoys his time with us.”

Bolton missed out on the chance to close the gap to the top two at the weekend, drawing 1-1 with second place Lincoln, leaving a six point gap between the teams.

The Whites have also played a game more than their rivals for automatic promotion, with Cardiff four points further ahead in top spot.

Kenny came off the bench against the Imps to make his debut after his deadline day loan switch from Celtic.

Next up for Schumacher’s side is a trip to face seventh place Reading on Tuesday night in an 8pm kick-off, with 10 points separating the clubs.

Johnny Kenny signing could prove great business for Bolton Wanderers

Kenny made a strong first impression coming off the bench for Bolton against Lincoln, and he has the potential to be quite a strong signing.

If he can consistently find the back of the net in the final 14 games of the campaign, then that could show Celtic that he is ready to step into a more prominent role in their squad.

Schumacher is a smart coach, and a move to the Whites could be really beneficial for his development for that reason.

If he can power Bolton to the Championship, then the next Celtic boss will have to take a closer look at giving him greater game time next season.