Shaun Maloney has given an update on the status of Johnny Kenny.
The striker featured heavily in the Celtic side during the post Brendan Rodgers era but was sent out on loan to Bolton Wanderers at the end of January.
Tomas Cvancara and Junior Adamu were brought in to find the elusive goals but failed miserably.
In League One Kenny hit the goal trail with six in 11 starts for Bolton before injury brought his season to an end.
That injury has caused the former Sligo Rovers striker to miss pre-season training but he is now close to being ready.
While Celtic’s transfer activity has been slow and frustrating the two players signed are direct competition to Kenny.
With Champions League goals last season Kasper Hogh and Camilo Duran are at the front of the striking queue.
Asked about Kenny’s situation, The Scotsman reported Maloney saying:
He’s part of the squad. I think there was something online about the squad number, that was incorrect. So, yeah, Johnny’s part of the squad.
I’d say he’s just about fit now. He hasn’t been fit during pre-season. He’s one of ours and he’s fighting to get minutes on the pitch.
Bolton have been strongly linked with renewing their interest in Kenny.
That coupled with his omission from the Celtic squad list seemed ominous but the club website now has Kenny listed as number 24.
MALONEY HAS THE STRIKING NUMBERS TO GET GOALS
When he recovers full fitness Kenny faces a real battle to get any playing time at Celtic.
After the two summer signings Callum Osmand seems to be the third choice striker.
Switching the first team system to 4-4-2 would clearly increase his prospects but unless there are injuries playing time will be limited.
Getting fit looks like only half the battle with a loan deal still possible during the summer window.
Over the next few weeks there could be big changes at Celtic.
Fans have waited all summer for a rush of activity but so far business has been light.
With Bolton promoted to the Championship a return would give Kenny the chance to test himself at a higher level.
