Johnny Kenny has made it clear he’s committed to Celtic and keen to extend his stay at the club, even if it means heading back out on loan after signing a new deal.

The Irish striker, who returned to the Hoops in January following a loan spell at Shamrock Rovers, has drawn interest from English League One side Bolton Wanderers. Celtic, however, knocked back the approach as Brendan Rodgers looks to keep control over the 22-year-old’s next step.

With the pathway to regular first-team minutes still crowded, a loan move is likely. But Kenny isn’t pushing for an exit, quite the opposite. He wants to stay long-term and believes the Hoops are the right place for his development.

Rodgers said recently he’d like to see Kenny sign a new deal before any temporary move is sanctioned. It’s a stance the player fully backs, and he now hopes talks can get underway sooner rather than later.

He said: (TCW), “Yes, and hopefully that can be done soon. I’d love to sign a new contract for this club.

“At the end of the day it’s the club I want to play for.

“Since I came back in January, I can’t describe how good the manager’s been for me.

“Obviously, he wants me to sign a new deal, so I think that’s very promising for me at this club and I’ll be happy to sign a new contract.

“I don’t really see it being a problem at all. When it’s going to get done, hopefully in the next few weeks. We need to start talks now and let’s see where it goes from there.”

Kenny has featured in pre-season preparations and remains part of Rodgers’ wider plans, but game time may still be limited given the competition for places in the forward line.

A loan switch would give the former Sligo Rovers man another chance to show what he can do at senior level while remaining tied to the Scottish champions.

Celtic’s approach with other young players in recent seasons has followed a similar path, with contracts renewed before development moves arranged.

What stands out with Kenny is his determination to make it at Celtic. While others might see a permanent move as the quickest route to regular action, the striker is still focused on the long game.

If a new deal is completed before the end of the month, Kenny will likely head out again, but with a clear sense of direction and the backing of Rodgers.