Reason why Johnny Kenny edged out Shin Yamada for Europa spot

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The Celtic Star

·5 settembre 2025

Reason why Johnny Kenny edged out Shin Yamada for Europa spot

Johnny Kenny’s European exploits have been influential in him being picked for Celtic’s Europa squad ahead of Shin Yamada…

Johnny Kenny celebrates. Aberdeen 1-5 Celtic. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Johnny Kenny was expected to leave in the summer transfer window either on loan or even something more permanent, as his absence from the squad that travelled to Ibrox suggests, but due to a lack of incomings and the sale of Adam Idah, the Irishman has been kept around, hence being handed a great opportunity to make a name for himself at Celtic Park.

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Johnny who has just been called up for the Republic of Ireland squad, has showed in his few appearances for the club that he has what it takes to play the central striker role under Brendan Rodgers, with his instinctive finish against Livingston a timely reminder that he knows the way to goal. He also scored up at Pittodrie at the end of last season and took easily the best Celtic penalty in the Scottish Cup final shoot-out with Aberdeen.

Johnny Kenny scores in the Scottish Cup final penalty shoot out defeat to Aberdeen. Photo: Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Johnny has clearly impressed Brendan with his ability and commitment. and he now finds himself battling with Shin Yamada, Kelechi Iheanacho, and possibly the rookie Callum Osmand for the central striker role. It’s a fight that he should well be relishing.

Shin Yamada of Celtic Celtic v Livingston, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 23 August 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock

Johnny has also been named in the Europa league squad at the expense of Shin, and it’s fantastic opportunity for him to star on the European stage once again, just as he did with Sligo Rovers and Shamrock Rovers scoring an impressive seven goals in 12 European outings. That is clearly something that could have been a major factor in Brendan Rodgers naming Johnny Kenny over the Japanese international in the squad.

It’s a huge opportunity for the Irish hitman, let’s hope he grabs it with both hands and makes a real name for himself as a Celtic goalscorer.

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Celtic in the Eighties – Out Now! In Celtic shops on Friday…

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter, out now!

Celtic in the Eighties by the late, great David Potter is officially published today Friday 5 September by Celtic Star Books. All pre-ordered copies have been signed by Celtic legend Danny McGrain who has also written the foreword for David Potter’s final book.

These copies have now been posted to everyone who has pre-ordered with copies being send all over the world. It’s been an incredible response, so thank you to each and every one of you who will be receiving your signed book shorty.

Celtic in the Eighties will be available in the Celtic superstore and all other club shops from today. And don’t forget that you can still purchase your copy directly from Celticstarbooks.com for same day postage.