What Kris Boyd wanted Brendan Rodgers to do at half-time with Celtic’s Johnny Kenny, but it never happened

What a moment it was for Johnny Kenny as he made his first start in the colours of Celtic on Wednesday night.

The 21-year-old has been waiting for months and months to earn that first start for the champions of Scotland, after returning from his loan spell at Shamrock Rovers in January.

Kenny got his wish at Pittodrie, as Celtic thrashed helpless Aberdeen 5-1, with the Irishman getting on the scoresheet, alongside Yang Hyunjun, Luke McCowan and Adam Idah.

It was a moment to savour for Kenny, who will be hoping to earn more minutes next season, especially with Brendan Rodgers looking for more firepower.

Nonetheless, Kenny’s goal came in the second half, with a brilliant glancing header, but during the break, Kris Boyd was liking what he was seeing from the Celtic star.

What Kris Boyd wanted Brendan Rodgers to do with Johnny Kenny as Celtic beat Aberdeen

With Daizen Maeda injured, Idah on the bench, this was Kenny’s moment to take his chance, and make himself heard against a strong Aberdeen side.

But, before he could find the back of the net, Boyd noticed the very good work the youngster was putting in, without any reward.

That’s why he wanted Rodgers to keep him on the pitch for the ‘full match’, but he didn’t get his wish, as he told Sky Sports Football (14/05/25).

At half-time, Boyd stated: “I hope Brendan Rodgers leaves him on for the full match.

“Sometimes, when it gets to the latter stages, that’s when it opens up. That’s when it opens up, and that’s when you get your chances, especially with somebody hoping to just get on the scoresheet.”

This goal from Kenny bodes well for his chances next season and staying part of the senior squad, rather than going out on loan again.

After Kenny’s goal had gone in, and the dust had settled, Boyd was complimentary about the player and how he went about things.

The former Scotland striker also shared how much that moment meant to Kenny because he looked over the moon during his celebrations.

“What a moment this is, for a young kid, growing up in Ireland, coming over,” added Boyd. “You look at his movement. It’s brilliant. He gives himself an opportunity.

“If it goes to the back post, he can get there. If it’s in and around the middle, he can get there. But he has also got it to get across the front post. His movement is brilliant. The header is brilliant as well.

“You can see how much it means for him. Absolutely delighted to get on the scoresheet.”