Johnny Kenny added to his case for more minutes in Brendan Rodgers’ side with another goal in Saturday’s 4-0 win over Newcastle United.
Rodgers has no shortage of options through the middle, with Kenny competing alongside new boy Shin Yamada, promising youngster Callum Osmand, and Irish international Adam Idah. Daizen Maeda is also capable of playing centrally if needed.
Still, Kenny is backing himself to make an impact and continue delivering goals whenever he’s given the chance to play.
He said: (RecordSport), “I want to go out every day in front of the manager and make a claim for the position,” said Kenny after his side beat Newcastle 4-0.
“Obviously, there’s going to be a lot of rotation, but I want to be in there chipping in with goals for this amazing club.
“The more competition, the better. Every day is a challenge at big clubs.
“Adam [Idah] is my fellow countryman and us Irish look after each other and he’s been brilliant with me since I came back in through the door.
“Daizen [Maeda] too. He’s a joy to play with. You can never write him off, he’s amazing. To play with someone like that is a joy.
“It was great to get a run out again. To get a goal was a bonus.
“The manager has been brilliant with me, giving me the opportunity to play against big opposition. I just want to take it and learn every day.
“It was a tough test physically and mentally but we handled it very well. The manager said before the game we can beat them with the pace on the ball and moving the ball and we were very good that way.”
Kenny opened the scoring after Nick Pope misjudged a back-pass, with the 22-year-old quick to pounce and finish. It was another example of his sharp movement in the box, the kind of instinct that might earn him more chances from Brendan Rodgers as the real action approaches.
He’s featured regularly during pre-season and looks to be growing under a manager who isn’t afraid to trust younger players against strong opposition. Rodgers has made a point of testing his squad, and Kenny’s work rate and end product are leaving a good impression.
With no clear first-choice striker nailed down, the next few games could be huge for Kenny. If he keeps taking his chances and putting in the same shift, Rodgers may find it difficult to leave him out.
