Martin O’Neill has given an update on Tomas Cvancara, Kelechi Iheanacho and Johnny Kenny ahead of Celtic’s trip to Tynecastle tomorrow afternoon…
Johnny Kenny of Celtic and Nicolo Casale of Bologna, Bologna v Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Renato Dall Ara Stadium, Bologna, Italy – 22 January 2026. Photo Michael Zemanek Shutterstock
Celtic could be forced into a late fitness decision on Johnny Kenny ahead of their weekend visit to Hearts, O’Neill confirmed in his presser yesterday to the mainstream media as The Celtic Star and other fan media outlets continue to be in the dark about access.
Kenny is undergoing medical assessments after suffering a calf issue in Thursday’s Europa League outing against Bologna.
His involvement in tomorrow’s showdown encounter at Tynecastle, which is a must not lose for Celtic, remains in doubt.
O’Neill said via Celtic’s official YouTube channel, O’Neill said: “Johnny Kenny picked up a bit of a calf strain, so we will see how that is. He has gone for some sort of scans this afternoon. We will see. He might be a doubt. He just said he felt it during the course of time he was on.”
Tomas Cvancara is the new Celtic Number 11. Photo Celtic FC
However, the Hoops Celtic could hand Tomas Cvancara an immediate opportunity if Kenny fails to recover in time.
The recent Czech recruit continued his settling-in process this week, taking part in a session with the B side on Thursday before joining the main squad when they resumed training at Lennoxtown on Friday.
The Celtic boss said: “He trained yesterday with the B lads and trained this morning and he is ready to go. I wouldn’t want to put too much pressure on him. But let him get settled in, I think he will make an impact, and hope he does. He could start on Sunday.”
Kelechi Iheanacho during the Premier Sports Cup Final match between St Mirren and Celtic at Hampden Park on December 14, 2025. (Photo by Vagelis Georgariou, The Celtic Star)
Kelechi Iheanacho has rejoined Celtic training, although the striker is still working his way back to full match fitness and is unlikely to be named in the starting line-up, despite being in contention to play.
O’Neill continued: “He trained today. I think that might be his second day. He didn’t travel with us. He did fine today. Glad to see him back. It might be a bit of a stretch to start him in a game at the moment but at least he is going to be available.”
Conor Spence
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We are a joke
It’s the Board and the major shareholder who are a joke.
The biggest decision MoN has to make tomorrow in the forward areas, is where he actually starts Maeda?
Would expect yang and forrest to cover our right side.
Seb and Maeda for the left?
Would allow Tomas and kelchi for the striker role?
So wouldn’t really be any room within a 20man match day squad for Kenny, Balikwisha or shin, in how our attacking areas are starting to shape up at present imo?