Johnny Kenny has received high praise from manager Steven Schumacher after an outstanding run of form during his loan spell at Bolton Wanderers from Celtic…
The 22-year-old striker has impressed since arriving earlier in January, scoring six goals in 13 appearances. His recent performances have been especially eye-catching, with the forward finding the net in each of his last five matches.
Kenny has settled in seamlessly at the Toughsheet Stadium, becoming a central figure in Schumacher’s attacking plans. The Bolton boss had long been interested in bringing the Irish forward to the club and was rewarded for his patience when the move was finalised late in the January transfer window by Hoops boss Martin O’Neill.
Bolton currently sit third in EFL League One and are pushing for promotion through the playoffs, with Kenny’s goals proving crucial to their challenge.
Schumacher has credited the young striker with making a significant impact in the number nine role during the final stretch of the season.
How good is this chop and finish by Johnny Kenny for Bolton today! 😮💨
Five goals in his last five games, arguably the form striker in League One currently. What a player. pic.twitter.com/6IjPY6IWAM
— Reptracker | Conor McEvoy (@reptracker) April 25, 2026
Speaking via Wanderers TV, Schumacher said: “He has been brilliant. Five in five for him, and six in total. Plus a load of assists that he’s got.”
“So, he has made a real massive contribution for us. I said in the summer that we wanted to try to get him. We knew the attributes would suit this team.”
“Kind of the way I like my teams to play, it needs a number nine that has got a threat. That speed is behind, so he has been excellent, and his goal today was outstanding.”
“He almost scored before that. He said, ‘The goalkeeper made an unbelievable save, or else, it was going right into the top corner.’
“I’m pleased for him. It keeps his confidence going, and that’s important. Strikers, when they get into a hot streak and play with confidence.”
Conor Spence
Daizen Maeda celebrates during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park on April 25, 2026. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)
READ THIS ON CELTIC SHORTS…“Goal Celtic – The scorer, number 38, Daizen, Daizen, Daizen….” Maeda
Click to join Celtic Pools
The jump for Kenny, was to big to go from league of Ireland football, to the demands and expectations that come with playing for ourselves?
Happened to so many players in the past, and will continue to many more in the future also.
Hopefully not on a scale that this season has provided?
But for so many players, playing for ourselves becomes there highest achievements for most of the younger players all the same?
Getting the older more experienced players can tend to be, trying to end there careers on a high point imo?
As for Kenny himself?
Wouldn’t like to say just yet, upon what his future should hold with ourselves?
But finally getting his loan move, and finding renewed confidence, which all strikers require, might be beneficial for ourselves in the bigger picture of things?
Wouldn’t be overly confident myself that it will be achieved for himself, but not totally ruling it out just yet anyway imo?