LOAN ACE JOHNNY’S THRIVING

JOHNNY KENNY has revealed how a shift in mentality has allowed him to prosper at Shamrock Rovers this season.

The on-loan Celtic striker (above) fired his seventh goal of the season – and fifth in seven games – to sink Derry City 1-0 on Monday and get the Hoops title charge back on track.

The win sets up a thrilling clash with leaders Shelbourne at Tallaght Stadium on Friday, with Damien Duff’s side energised after their late, late win over St Pat’s.

Rovers boss Stephen Bradley (inset) joked how he would “chain Kenny to the gates of Tallaght Stadium” if it meant keeping Celtic from recalling him this summer.

But there is no prospect of that as Kenny is on loan until the end of the League of Ireland season, having also spent last year with the Hoops.

Kenny joined Celtic in 2022 on a five-year deal, but doesn’t appear to be in their plans after loans to Queen’s Park and Rovers.

And the Sligo man doesn’t know what the future holds as there has been little contact with the Scottish champions.

“Last year, I don’t think I heard from them once but this year it’s a bit better,” said the in-form striker, who Bradley described as a “different animal” this season.

“Darren O’dea has stepped into that kind of role, another Irishman, and I’ve heard more this year. But interaction is minimal.

“I hope as I perform it gets better. If you’re not performing, why would they get in touch with you?.”

Kenny is loving life with Rovers this season and feels his overall game is in better shape than it was this time last year.

He could have scored a hat-trick in Monday’s win over Derry, but said: “Last year I was getting none. One is better than none.”

Kenny is third in the Premier Division’s scoring charts, two behind Derry’s Pat Hoban on nine goals.

And of his good form, he added: “I think it’s just fitness and the belief the manager has in me. You need to play with confidence.”