Brendan Rodgers praises Johnny Kenny for providing spark on Celtic debut
Brendan Rodgers praised Johnny Kenny for providing a spark on his Celtic debut.
The Irish striker came off the bench in the 73rd minute at Dingwall on Saturday with Celtic level with Ross County.
The former Sligo Rovers forward had a shot saved before grabbing an assist for fellow substitute Luke McCowan – following some persistent play – as Celtic’s late flurry sealed a 4-1 win which consolidated their position at the top of the William Hill Premiership.
The 21-year-old recently returned from a prolific loan spell with Shamrock Rovers, where he hit 25 goals including seven in the UEFA Conference League as the Dubliners booked a place in the knockout rounds.
Rodgers said of Kenny’s debut: “It was absolutely brilliant. A young Irish guy who came in a few years ago and he obviously went back out and done really well. He scored goals regularly, scored in Europe for Shamrock.
“To then come in and be given that opportunity, I was so pleased for him because it just means everything to him and for any of the young players. He’s deserved that wee run out that he’s had.
“He came in, him and Luke, he energised the game. (Liam) Scales, he came in and just shores the game up for us because they go big and direct, and that gave us that extra height. But for him (Kenny) in particular, it’s really good.”
Kyogo Furuhashi grabbed the headlines with a double from a wider position than normal but Arne Engels continued his recent level of contribution with a goal and an assist.
The Belgium midfielder crossed for Furuhashi to put Celtic back in front in the 81st minute before netting a retaken penalty in stoppage-time.
Celtic’s record signing has collected a series of the club’s man-of-the-match awards over the festive period and Rodgers feels his mentality is coming to the fore.
“I just think you see the confidence in him now and the happiness he’s playing with,” Rodgers said. “He’s playing with authority. That’s what you need to do when you’re playing as a midfield player for Celtic, you need to have that authority.
“He’s been on a great run of form, great consistency and you’ve just got to keep it going.”
Ross County manager Don Cowie will assess a groin injury that forced centre-back Kacper Lopata off early in the second half.
Cowie said: “You never want to see him come off the pitch and the fact that he has suggests there’s obviously something because he’s been a warrior for us since he came to the club. He leaves everything out on the pitch.
“That was disappointing at the time but Jack Grieves came on and did very well. He was part of us getting the penalty and caused problems when he came on the pitch.”
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