Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has tipped Johnny Kenny to be a major asset for the club after the Irish striker signed a long-term contract extension.

The 22-year-old has committed to Celtic until 2029 after proving himself in Rodgers’ team during pre-season and appearing as a substitute in the opening Premiership victory against St Mirren.

Kenny netted his first goal for the club in May in a 5-1 win at Aberdeen, where Celtic return on league duty on Sunday.

Rodgers commented on the contract extension, saying: “This is positive news for both Johnny and the club. He joined us a few years back, gained experience elsewhere, and upon returning, his development has noticeably progressed since January.”

“We believe he has significant potential for further growth. He’s fast, eager, and in the future, we see him as a valuable asset for the club.”

Young Irish striker Johnny Kenny has extended his contract at Parkhead until 2029

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is convinced that Kenny will be an asset to the club

Kenny revealed how important it was to have his manager’s backing.

‘All I wanted to do was commit my future to this club and I’m delighted it’s done now,’ he said.

‘I feel really proud. I spoke to the manager at the start of the summer and it was a case of tying it all together.

‘I like to think I can score goals and the manager believes in me, too, so that helps when I’m in and around the box, knowing the manager backs me.

“I am determined to achieve all possible successes here. Playing Champions League football, winning every trophy, and scoring goals are my objectives.”

Kenny faces competition from Daizen Maeda, Adam Idah, and Shin Yamada for first-team opportunities. However, another loan could be on the cards if Rodgers secures the attacking reinforcements he desires.

Rodgers stated: “Currently, he’s part of our squad and will remain so until the month’s end, though there are ongoing squad considerations. He’s had an impressive pre-season, trained diligently, which boosts his confidence and the sense of being valued here. We will continue to evaluate all players’ situations, but he is currently a key part of our plans.”

A week after warning the Celtic board he would only consider extending his own deal if they matched his ambition, Rodgers had no further news on transfers,

But he reassured fans the club hierarchy had come good in the past as he awaits additions before the deadline.

Johnny Kenny scores for Celtic in the pre-season match with Newcastle in July

Kenny had a profitable loan period at Shamrock Rovers back in his native Ireland

Kenny gets on the ball during the pre-season friendly with Newcastle United last month

Since he made his ultimatum, Celtic have finalised a loan deal for Manchester City defender Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, who was already in the building when Rodgers made his comments.

Asked for a transfer update, the manager said: ‘There’s no news, I’ve got nothing new for you.

‘It’s very clear what we need to improve and there’s a lot of work going on, clearly, by ourselves and probably every club. That’s the reality of this time of the year, there’s lots of work going on throughout many clubs. We’re hoping we can conclude some deals and improve the squad.’

Asked why more had not been concluded, he said: ‘There’s obviously many things that go into it. I don’t do the deals so I can’t answer that for you. But I know that behind the scenes obviously there’s a lot of work, a lot of discussions that go on.’

Although Celtic have made signings over the summer, some are project players and the forward areas are in clear need of strengthening, with Yamada yet to make his debut. 

Celtic did not replace Kyogo Furuhashi in January after selling him to Rennes and have since lost Jota to a long-term knee injury and sold fellow winger Nicolas Kuhn to Como.

‘I think the board have shown over many years that the work will get done,’ added Rodgers. ‘And obviously, as a group that run the club and have run it so well for so many years, they have to get what they will feel is the best value for the players.

‘Of course, as coaches and managers and supporters, you want the best players. But ultimately, the club will be run in a way that makes sure that both the best players and the best value is there to be made. And that sits above me, that’s something that clearly does.

‘Of course, we want to improve the squad and the board will want to improve the squad as well. So I’m very hopeful we can do that. I’m just, I can’t afford to get bogged down in it.’