Johnny Kenny’s World Cup Ambitions aided by Martin O’Neill

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The Celtic Star

·19 de março de 2026

Johnny Kenny’s World Cup Ambitions aided by Martin O’Neill

Johnny Kenny is making encouraging progress during his loan spell at Bolton Wanderers, having departed Celtic on a loan move in search of consistent first-team opportunities…

The young Irish forward has featured seven times for the League One outfit so far, contributing one goal and three assists.

With the move set to run until the end of the campaign, Kenny has opened up on discussions with Martin O’Neill regarding the upcoming World Cup, which ultimately influenced his loan switch to Bolton.

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In an interview with The Sligo Champion, he explained that Martin O’Neill’s long-standing commitment to the Republic of Ireland and his ambition for the national side were key factors in approving the loan.

Kenny said: “The night before I signed for Bolton I spoke to Heimir [Ireland boss] about what I needed to do to get in the squad.

Martin O’Neill, manager of Celtic. Celtic v Livingston, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 11 February 2026. Photo Mark Runnacles IMAGO/Shutterstock

“He said, ‘you need to be playing regularly. Then, when I spoke with Martin, he said he wouldn’t stand in my way of hopefully going to a World Cup. Martin loves Ireland too. When we won in Budapest we actually spoke about it [O’Neill being in charge at Euro 2016]. He’d love to see us go there in the summer.”

“I’m sure Martin would probably travel himself. Two weeks ago he turned 74 and he still has the most energy out of everyone. He’s lauded up there.”

Johnny Kenny scores. Celtic v theRangers. Premier Sports Cup, semi final at Hampden. 2 November 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Kenny has earned just a single senior cap for the Republic of Ireland, having made his debut in a famous 3-2 victory over Hungary in November.

The Celtic striker was introduced for a 30-minute cameo in that match, following earlier fixtures against Portugal, Armenia and Hungary where he remained on the bench.

Johnny Kenny of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Benjamin Nygren during the Premier Sports Cup Semi Final match between Celtic and theRangers at Hampden Park on November 02, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Still searching for his first international goal, Kenny will be keen to make an impact, and with another break on the horizon, the on-loan forward will be aiming to impress the Ireland manager and strengthen his case for inclusion in the World Cup squad.

Conor Spence

Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr. Click on image to order