New Challenge for Kyogo and Idah? – Come the January transfer window, Celtic may have another opportunity to assess their striking options and potentially bring in a new face to challenge Kyogo and Idah.

Celtic FC’s Search for a New Striking Star: Johnny Kenny Emerges as a Potential Upgrade on Kyogo Furuhashi

The summer transfer window has officially closed, and Celtic FC can now focus on the squad they have assembled for the upcoming season. Brendan Rodgers, the Northern Irish head coach, has brought in several new faces to bolster his team, including Adam Idah, who signed from Norwich City for a minimum fee of £8.5m. However, Idah’s place in the starting lineup may be under threat from a young and talented striker currently on loan at Shamrock Rovers – Johnny Kenny.

Kenny, a 21-year-old Irish striker, has been making waves in the Irish top-flight with his impressive goal-scoring form. He has netted 12 goals in 2024, surpassing both Idah and Kyogo Furuhashi, Celtic’s experienced Japanese striker. Kenny’s performances have caught the eye of Rodgers and his coaching staff, who may see him as a potential upgrade on Kyogo.

Kyogo’s form has been declining over the past 12 months, and he has failed to score in three of Celtic’s four Premiership matches this season. His goal against Rangers in the Old Firm clash at Parkhead was a rare highlight in an otherwise disappointing start to the campaign. Kyogo’s powers may be waning, and Rodgers may need to look elsewhere for a reliable goal-scorer.

That’s where Johnny Kenny comes in. The young striker has been on loan at Shamrock Rovers since January 2023 and has impressed with his pace, skill, and finishing ability. He has scored 10 goals in 21 appearances for the Irish club, including two goals in three Champions League qualifiers. Kenny’s form has earned him praise from his manager, Stephen Bradley, who described him as a “different animal” to last year.

Kenny’s rise to prominence may come as a surprise to some, but he has been on Celtic’s radar for some time. The club signed him in January 2022 after he impressed with Sligo Rovers, scoring 12 goals and providing two assists in 34 first-team matches. Kenny spent the second half of the 2022/23 season on loan at Queen’s Park, where he failed to score in 12 outings. However, his move to Shamrock Rovers has reignited his career, and he is now knocking on the door of Celtic’s first team.

Adam Idah, who has just signed a permanent deal with Celtic, may need to watch out for Kenny. Idah impressed on loan at Celtic last season, scoring nine goals and providing two assists in 19 matches. However, his form has dipped since joining the club permanently, and he has failed to score in his first two appearances. Idah may find himself under pressure from Kenny, who is hungry to prove himself at Celtic Park.

The battle for the starting striker spot at Celtic FC is heating up, and Johnny Kenny is emerging as a dark horse. His goal-scoring form and pace make him an attractive option for Rodgers, who may see him as a potential upgrade on Kyogo. With Idah struggling to find his feet, Kenny may be the man to take advantage of the opportunity and establish himself as Celtic’s first-choice striker.

In conclusion, Johnny Kenny’s impressive form at Shamrock Rovers has put him in the frame for a starting spot at Celtic FC. His goal-scoring ability and pace make him an attractive option for Rodgers, who may see him as a potential upgrade on Kyogo. With Idah struggling to find his feet, Kenny may be the man to take advantage of the opportunity and establish himself as Celtic’s first-choice striker. The battle for the starting striker spot at Celtic FC is heating up, and it will be fascinating to see who emerges on top.