Johnny Kenny grabbed his chance with both hands tonight, making a big impact off the bench as Celtic beat Sporting Lisbon 2-0 in their fourth pre-season game at the Estádio Algarve.

The 22-year-old striker came on at half-time for Adam Idah, who had missed two chances and was struggling with a groin problem.

Kenny didn’t waste any time. Seconds after coming on, he won a penalty after being brought down in the box. Reo Hatate stepped up and just squeezed the ball past Rui Silva to give Celtic the lead.

Kenny’s energy and movement gave Celtic a new spark up front. He ran at defenders, linked up well with his teammates, and never stopped working. His hold-up play was solid, and he looked sharp throughout the half.

He’s now in the final year of his contract at the Hoops and is in talks about a new deal. Brendan Rodgers is a fan of the young striker but still has to decide whether to keep him around the first team or send him out on loan again for more game time.

Kenny kept making an impact as the game went on. He played a big part in Celtic’s second goal, bursting forward on the counter-attack. After a lucky bounce went his way, he picked out Luke McCowan, who beat his man and fired into the far corner.

There was no drop in quality after Idah went off, if anything, Celtic looked stronger. Kenny brought energy, drive and quality in key moments, and showed he’s ready to compete for a spot this season.

It was a strong performance from a player who knows this pre-season could be key to his future.

If he keeps playing like this, Brendan Rodgers will have a big decision to make. Kenny certainly didn’t look like a fringe player in the Algarve.