Credit: Imago

Oliver Walton

Wed 27 May 2026 11:00, UK

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Celtic loanee striker Johnny Kenny is surely set for a second chance to prove himself at Parkhead after hinting that he will not be extending his stay at Bolton Wanderers.

Kenny earned promotion to the Championship while on loan at Bolton over the weekend as they thrashed Stockport 4-1 in the League One play-off final.

He scored six goals in 14 appearances for the Trotters after joining on loan from Celtic in January, but missed out on their play-off campaign with a knee ligament injury.

His future is up in the air ahead of the summer transfer window, with the Hoops still yet to appoint a new manager to succeed Martin O’Neill.

Kenny may look to seal a transfer away from Celtic, but for now, it looks like he has no plans to stay at Bolton and wants to return to the first-team fold at Parkhead after his latest message.

Johnny Kenny has wished Bolton ‘all the best’ in new Instagram message

Kenny earned particular plaudits during his time at Bolton for a fine long-range strike against Bradford City in April to earn his side a vital point in their push for promotion.

He was nominated for the League One Player of the Month award in April too, after netting in five successive matches, but soon saw his season cut short before the play-offs.

He took to Instagram following their promotion on Sunday to wish Bolton “all the best” in the Championship, in a very clear hint that he will not be sticking around beyond this season.

The hint could mean one of two things: that he is either set to stay at Celtic and fight for his place in the new manager’s side, or that he already knows where he is set to go out on loan for next term.

Celtic could sell Kenny if new signings are made soon

Wanderers boss Steven Schumacher hailed Kenny as having made a “massive contribution” to Bolton’s promotion push following his goal against Bradford.

He gave Bolton the extra firepower they needed to finish third in the third tier, but a longer stay can be all but ruled out following his latest message.

Sources have previously revealed to Football Insider that Celtic are open to selling Kenny this summer, but he at least deserves to be given a chance to impress their next boss.

Robbie Keane is leading the market to be their next manager, at evens with one of the UK’s biggest bookmakers, while Roberto Martinez is 2/1 and Craig Bellamy is priced at 3/1 odds.