Callum McGregor has urged Celtic to get the “absolute maximum” out of Johnny Kenny, backing the young striker to make a breakthrough at the Hoops.

Kenny, 22, has been the subject of transfer interest this summer, with Celtic reportedly rejecting a £500,000 bid from Bolton Wanderers. The club are believed to value him at double that figure, signalling that Brendan Rodgers and his coaching staff see potential in the Irishman.

After spells out on loan at Queen’s Park and Shamrock Rovers, Kenny was brought into the first-team fold towards the end of last season. He marked his first senior start for the Hoops with a goal against Aberdeen, offering a glimpse of what he might bring to the squad.

Despite ongoing speculation about his future, Kenny has clearly left an impression on the Celtic captain. McGregor believes the striker is developing well and has the attributes to make a real impact in Glasgow’s East End.

He said: [balls.ie], “He’s been excellent and is someone who has grown over a period of time as well.

“He first came in off a really good reputation in the League of Ireland, where he had scored a lot of goals at a really young age, and everyone could see the potential.

“We have a talent there that we want to push and to try and get the absolute maximum out of.”

McGregor’s comments will likely be welcomed by those within the club hoping to see more home-grown development and squad depth from younger players. Kenny has had to bide his time, but now finds himself in a critical window to push forward.

With pre-season underway and the new campaign fast approaching, the Irish forward will be looking to impress Rodgers once again. Should he stay at the club beyond the transfer window, there could be further opportunities to establish himself.

Celtic’s reluctance to let him go on the cheap indicates they’re not ready to give up on the striker yet. If Kenny continues to build on the glimpses shown so far, he may have a bigger part to play in the season ahead.