Former Celtic defender Jonjoe Kenny has opened up on his disappointing loan spell in Glasgow during the second part of last season.
On the final day of the January window last year, the Everton full-back completed a loan move to Parkhead for the second half of the campaign, which ended up being an extremely disappointing period for the 24-year old with his and the side’s performances.
Having returned to Goodison Park and the arrival of new boss Frank Lampard, the right-back has now found himself a place in the side, playing his part in the 3-0 win over Leeds United on Saturday, which is an incredible turnaround in comparison to last year.
Speaking to Everton TV in the aftermath of that game, Kenny stated that his time with the Hoops was a ‘difficult period’, and he is now looking to change his fortunes with regular game time in the English Premier League.
“I knew my chance was going to come, just not when it would come, and wanted to make sure I was ready,” he said, as quoted by Football Scotland.
“I made everything down to me, changed what I needed to and tried to get rid of excuses, which is difficult. I didn’t want to be giving the excuse that I wasn’t ready or didn’t take my opportunity.
“Celtic was a difficult period for me, off the pitch, especially.
“But having close family and friends and my agent and good mentors around me, and choosing that path and having these people who can really help me progress, changed a lot of things for me mentally.
“I have had a lot of ups and downs, but it is about staying at it and doing what I need and focusing on me.”
Given the performances of many in the team last campaign, many fans will likely be surprised to see the full-back playing his football in the Premier League. But, fair play to Kenny for his impressive turnaround.
It has been the same for a few players, with Shane Duffy making a good start to the season down south with Brighton, showing why the Scottish Premiership shouldn’t be disrespected by those who don’t have a clue about the game.
Clearly, last season is something fans, and Jonjoe Kenny alike would rather move on and forget about, with both parties now enjoying their football considerably more at this moment in time.
