Johnny Kenny reflects on Wilfried Nancy’s 33-day Celtic reign
· Yahoo Sports
Johnny Kenny has reaffirmed his ambition to return to Celtic after his loan spell with Bolton Wanderers and establish himself in the first team at the Scottish Champions…
Currently gaining experience in English League One, the forward has scored once in his opening three appearances for Bolton.
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Earlier in the campaign he had already found the net six times for Celtic before manager Martin O’Neill sanctioned a loan move so he could secure more regular playing time.
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Kenny’s recent progress also earned him his first senior cap for the Republic of Ireland, featuring in their dramatic comeback victory over Hungary last November.
The young attacker is now expected to be included in the squad preparing for the upcoming World Cup play-off clashes against the Czech Republic later this week.
Johnny Kenny of Bolton Wanderers. Lincoln City v Bolton Wanderers, League One, LNER Stadium, Lincoln, 14 February 2026. Photo Anna Gowthorpe IMAGO/Shutterstock
The 21-year-old also reflected on the short-lived tenure of former Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy – whose spell at the club lasted just over a month – explaining why the appointment ultimately failed to deliver the impact many had hoped for.
Speaking via Irish Independent, Kenny said: “It hasn’t been straightforward this season, but I still have full belief Celtic can prove everyone wrong. The dream for me is to play for Celtic on a regular basis. It was difficult for Wilfried Nancy. He came in and everything probably changed for the 33 days. He just didn’t get the results required.”
“I don’t know if I could put a finger on it, but maybe it was too much too soon. To come in and change it all when we were playing every three days and didn’t have much training time, was probably tough so that didn’t help Wilfried.”
Kenny added: “He’s a lovely man but unfortunately it just didn’t work out on the pitch. Celtic is different from other clubs. It’s nearly mandatory to win every weekend. I love the pressure, it’s a privilege to go out and be expected to win.”
“People are going to talk no matter what job you’re doing. Some are going to try and be negative, but it doesn’t really affect me. You just have to get on with it.”
Johnny Kenny scores. Celtic v theRangers. Premier Sports Cup, semi final at Hampden. 2 November 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
“It’s easy to talk, isn’t it? There’s a reason we go on the pitch. I’m not on social media, so I don’t see any of the criticism. What I don’t see can’t affect me.”
“I think I’m pretty laid back. It is intense, but that’s what comes with playing with a big club.”
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