Johnny Kenny has officially confirmed that he will return to Celtic in the January transfer window following an impressive loan spell at Shamrock Rovers.

The 21-year-old striker’s performances have caught the attention of Brendan Rodgers, who now wants to assess the young forward more closely as Celtic prepare for the second half of the season.

Kenny’s loan stint has been marked by consistent goal-scoring, including a brace in Rovers’ 3-0 victory over Borac Banja Luka on Thursday night. That result secured Shamrock Rovers a spot in the Europa Conference League knockout stages, setting up an exciting free-hit clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge next week.

He told Off the Ball: “I’m going to go back to Celtic and train to see where it takes us.

“But I just want to enjoy the occasion next week.

“The club and players deserve it. I just want to enjoy Christmas and then see what comes in January.

“I think I’m a lot different going back, as you can see from this year.

“But to play for Celtic Football Club you have to go to another level and that’s what I have to do.

“Obviously, it’s a big ask but it’s been good this year, very good, but this year will be gone when I go back to Celtic in January so you have to impress there.

“This will be gone and it won’t be worth anything really.

“I just have to go there and show Brendan in training that you’re worth it.”

Rodgers is keen to take a closer look at Kenny and will welcome into the first team surroundings. It’s believed that the manager is keen to bring in a third choice striker, but could the young Irishman fit that mould?

Kenny will be looking at Liam Scales, who also starred in the League of Ireland before earning a move to Celtic. The defender is now a regular in the Celtic squad, and has played in the Champions League and in derby matches.

Kenny will be hoping that he gets the same chance when he returns in January.