Credit: Imago

Oliver Walton

Tue 26 May 2026 19:15, UK

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Celtic starlet Colby Donovan has reached out to teammate Johnny Kenny after he won promotion from League One while out on loan at Bolton Wanderers.

Kenny was sent on loan to English third-tier side Bolton in the January window after falling down the striker pecking order at Celtic.

He had scored six goals in 22 appearances for the Hoops in a turbulent first half of the campaign, and managed to match that tally in eight fewer games for Bolton following the move.

The 22-year-old sadly missed out on their play-off campaign with a knee ligament injury, but the Trotters won promotion in his absence at Wembley over the weekend.

It remains to be seen if he will be involved in Celtic’s transfer plans this summer, but Kenny has certainly shone at Bolton and done all he can to thrust himself into the new manager’s plans for next term.

Colby Donovan celebrates Johnny Kenny’s promotion after new Instagram post

The Wanderers thrashed Stockport County 4-1 at Wembley on Sunday to return to the second tier of English football for the first time since 2019.

Kenny’s impressive stats under Steven Schumacher highlight just how well he adapted to life south of the border, with Bolton believed to be interested in taking him on loan again for next season.

The Ireland international striker took to Instagram on Monday evening to sum up his time at the club in one post, saying: “We did it, promotion to the Championship! Thank you to everyone at Bolton for the last few very enjoyable months!! All the best. We are going up.”

His message was reacted to by fellow Celtic youngster Donovan, who replied: “Keeeeman” with a red heart emoji, while Dane Murray left two heart emojis and others such as Daizen Maeda, Auston Trusty and Alistair Johnston liked the post.

Steven Schumacher has told Celtic what to expect from Kenny next season

Schumacher knows what it takes to get promoted from the English third tier, and has benefitted from Celtic’s desire to loan Kenny out in January over the last few months.

He told Hoops fans and their next manager how to get the best out of the Irishman after Kenny’s goal at Bradford, saying: “He has made a real massive contribution for us. I said in the summer that we wanted to try to get him. We knew the attributes would suit this team.

“Kind of the way I like my teams to play, it needs a number nine that has got a threat. That speed is behind, so he has been excellent, and his goal today was outstanding.

“I’m pleased for him. It keeps his confidence going, and that’s important. Strikers, when they get into a hot streak and play with confidence.”