Celtic

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Irish striker Johnny Kenny has been tipped for a "big future" at Celtic after signing a contract extension until summer 2029.

The 22-year-old joined from Sligo Rovers on a five-year deal in January 2022 before loan spells with Queen's Park and Sligo Rovers, where he netted 25 goals last year.

Kenny made his Celtic debut in January this year and marked his first start with his maiden goal for the club in the 5-1 win over Aberdeen at Pittodrie in May.

Manager Brendan Rodgers added: "I am really pleased that we have agreed this new contract with Johnny.

"He is a young player who I believe can have a big future with Celtic.

"He loves the club and is really hungry and focused on doing well for us, developing further and making an important contribution to the squad, so we look forward to working with him moving forward."

Kenny aims to repay Celtic's faith in him, saying: "I feel really proud. I spoke to the manager at the start of the summer and it was a case of tying it all together.

"I like to think that I can score goals and the manager believes in me too, so that helps when I'm in and around the box, knowing that the manager backs me.

"I want to achieve everything possible at this club. I want to play Champions League football, win every trophy available and score goals. That's my aim.

"It's a proud moment and I have to thank the club for giving me this opportunity. I just want to repay them on the pitch over the next few years."

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

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With a Champions League qualifier on the horizon and the domestic campaign already under way, there is growing frustration among Celtic supporters about a lack of transfer business.

While they've seen seven new faces permanently through the door, only three were part of the squad for last weekend's Premiership opener.

Kieran Tierney made his first competitive start since returning to the club while Benjamin Nygren started and Shin Yamada was an unused substitute. Centre-back Jahmai Simpson-Pusey was spotted in the stands at Parkhead before his loan deal was announced the following day.

But how does Celtic's lack of business compare with the same stage of last year's transfer window?

On 8 August 2024, Celtic had added Paulo Bernardo plus goalkeepers Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo but still hadn't completed deals for Arne Engels, Auston Trusty, Luke McCowan or Adam Idah.

Striker Idah, who had spent the 2023-24 season on loan, arrived at Celtic on 15 August for a reported fee of around £9.5m.

Alex Valle joined on loan in late August and Engels wouldn't arrive until deadline day for a club record fee of £11m alongside centre-back Auston Trusty and midfielder Luke McCowan.

While that timeline shows Celtic's tendency for late business, there's one big difference between where the club sat last summer compared to now - the Champions League play-off.

Celtic went straight into the league phase a year ago, but this season they face a two-legged tie against either Kairat or Slovan Bratislava to secure their spot.

Rodgers will need to name his full squad, up to 25 players, for the play-off round by midnight on 14 August - the day before Celtic signed Idah last year - albeit the club are allowed two late additions that can be made until the day before the first leg on 20 August.

So with the deadline edging closer, will Rodgers have the signings he craves when Celtic bid for Champions League qualification?

Danish winger Jakob Breum, the 21-year-old who remains of interest to Celtic after a £1.5m offer was rejected this summer, has been left out of the squad for Go Ahead Eagles' Eredivisie opener against Fortuna Sittard. (Glasgow Times), external

Celtic winger James Forrest says he is still dreaming of representing Scotland at a World Cup, and won't close the door on his international career. (Daily Record), external

Read the rest of Friday's Scottish Gossip

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Celtic winger James Forrest admits retirement is a "scary" prospect, but the winger will give his all for the club until they "shove him out the door".

Forrest made his Celtic debut in May 2010 and has scored in 16 consecutive seasons as well as eclipsing Lisbon Lion Bobby Lennox as the the club's most decorated player with a haul of 13 titles, seven Scottish Cups and six League Cups.

His current deal runs until the end of the season, but the 34-year-old Scotland international isn't concerned about the situation.

"I just want to keep enjoying it," said Forrest while admitting nervousness at the idea of calling it a day on his playing career.

He added: "I have thought about it a wee bit. I left school at 15, 16 and that's all you have ever done and all you've ever known.

"So I want to keep playing for as long as I can, but yeah, it's scary.

"I've played with players who have retired, and different people go down different paths once they finish, but I don't really know what I'll definitely do after

"But I think it's scary because it's what I've done for 20-plus years, and it's been unbelievable, it's been really really good.

"I have given everything to Celtic and I will continue to do that until my contract is up and they might shove me out the door anyway, so we will see what happens."

Celtic were denied a domestic treble in last season's Scottish Cup final by Aberdeen, but Forrest insists revenge won't be the key motivator when the sides meet at Pittodrie this weekend.

He said: "I don't think it's revenge. Every time we play Aberdeen every season and go up to Pittodrie, it's always hard games and I think that kind of rivalry is there anyway.

"It's early in the season, so we want to continue our form and just keep the momentum going.

"It's all about us, focusing on us and trying to get the three points."

• Aberdeen are winless in regulation time in their past 31 meetings with Celtic in all competitions (D7 L24) since a 1-0 victory at Celtic Park in their final league game of the 2017-18 season. The Dons did, however, win a penalty shootout against the Parkhead side in their most recent clash after a 1-1 draw in last season's Scottish Cup final.

• Celtic are unbeaten in 17 away league games at Aberdeen (W14 D3) since losing 2-1 in February 2016 under Ronny Deila.

• After their 2-0 defeat to Hearts on matchday one, Aberdeen could lose both of their first two games of a league season for the first time since 2003-04 under Steve Paterson – on that occasion, the first such defeat was to Hearts, and the second was at home to defending champions Rangers.

• Celtic have won their opening away game in each of the past three Scottish Premiership seasons, including a 3-1 victory at Aberdeen in 2023-24. Under Brendan Rodgers, Celtic have won four of five such matches (L1).

• Since the start of last season Celtic have scored more goals in the final five minutes of Scottish Premiership matches than any other team (16), with four of those earning the team a draw (two) or a win (two), including Luke McCowan's winning strike last weekend.

Celtic are interested in Cagliari centre-half Adam Obert, but the Scottish champions will need to raise their offer to secure the 22-year-old Slovak international. (L'Unione Sarda), external

Brondby winger Clement Bischoff is emerging as a key target for Celtic, but Sunderland have also been linked with the 19-year-old for whom Brighton & Hove Albion had a £7.2m deal fall through in February and the Dane could now be available for £6.3m. (TeamTalk), external

Rapid Vienna sporting director Markus Katzer has confirmed his club still have an interest in Marco Tilio and that they tried to sign the 23-year-old Australia forward before he joined Celtic. (The Herald), external

Rapid Vienna are prepared to wait until the end of the transfer window to land top target Marco Tilio, with Celtic saying they will not sanction a transfer until they find a replacement. (Daily Record), external

Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Kairat scored a last-minute penalty to edge out Slovan Bratislava in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier, with the winner of the tie taking on Celtic in the play-off round.

Dastan Satpaev tucked away the spot-kick at the Central Stadium in Almaty, while the visitors finished the game with 10 men.

Slovan Bratislava, who lost 5-1 at Celtic Park in last season's Champions League league phase, had Rahim Ibrahim dismissed after picking up a second yellow card on 65 minutes.

The play-off will take place over 19/20 August and 26/27 August, with the first leg at Celtic Park.

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Former manager Martin O'Neill thinks fans will be "expecting a bit more" in terms of recruitment after Celtic's good showing in Europe last season and says early-season worries over squad strength at the club is "nothing new".

Last week, current boss Brendan Rodgers mentioned "gaps in the squad that are very clear", while stressing his desire to keep pushing the Scottish champions forward.

O'Neill is familiar with the issue, having been in charge from 2000-05, and the 73-year-old is urging patience from supporters.

"That anxiety is nothing new," he said. "It was there in my time. Each season was the same.

"And I do remember Celtic fans complaining about this before my time."

New arrivals Kieran Tierney and Benjamin Nygren started Sunday's 1-0 win over St Mirren on the opening weekend of the Premiership campaign, with Shin Yamada an unused substitute.

Bayern Munich ended Celtic's Champions League adventure last term with a 3-2 aggregate win.

From the XI that started the 1-1 draw in Germany, Nicolas Kuhn has been sold, Jota is a long-term injury absentee and Jeffrey Schlupp's loan arrangement has expired.

"After the great European run last season they'll be expecting a bit more," O'Neill said of supporters' hopes.

"Players came in last season just when everybody thought nothing was going to happen - and it worked out fine.

"Brendan has been in this situation before and I think he'll deal with it. But if he's anything like me, he'll be wanting the players in."

Arne Engels, Auston Trusty and Luke McCowan were deadline day arrivals last summer.

All three were substitutes as Celtic left it late to overcome stubborn St Mirren.

McCowan grabbed the only goal with a deflected strike and O'Neill said of the 27-year-old midfielder: "It feels like he's going to play a more significant part."

Adam Idah hit 20 goals after making a permanent switch to Celtic last summer but did not nail down a regular starting place - even after the January sale of Kyogo Furuhashi.

O'Neill said the move to Celtic Park from Norwich City was "a bit of a step to take" for the 24-year-old, adding: "He's done it reasonably well.

"He'll be learning all the time and he has a good tutor in Brendan."

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

As the transfer window enters its final few weeks and the crunch Champions League play-off looms large on Celtic's horizon, I'm reminded of the age old conundrum about the chicken and the egg. Which came first?

There's a certain sense of stalemate at Celtic currently that seems somewhat similar to me. It would appear there's a reluctance to spend too much money until the club knows what European competition it's going to be playing in.

Of course, by spending early the Scottish champions could have enhanced their chances of making sure of Champions League qualification, because the team that struggled to see off St Mirren doesn't look like it's ready to take another seat at the continent's top table.

There's also a sense of insecurity. Is the board reluctant to spend big because the blazers aren't sure who the manager is going to be in June?

Or is the listlessness coming from Brendan Rodgers? Is he reluctant to discuss extending his second spell until he see's the colour of the club's ambition?

Is it the old Celtic catch-22 of a manager wanting the club to spend before he commits, while the board wants him to commit before they spend?

Wherever the truth lies, one thing is clear: many of the fans who shell out for season tickets, merchandise and European trips are far from happy that the Parkhead bank balance is so fat while the squad seems so thin.

When Kieran Tierney went off with cramp, there was no new left-back on hand to deputise, so Liam Scales was asked to shift over. No drama as he knows that position well, but a rampaging deliverer of ammunition into the opposing box he is not.

Hyun-Jung Yang and Marco Tilio are not the answer if Celtic are to develop and improve. and the fact that 34-year-old James Forrest was the most dangerous looking player in during his short weekend cameo tells its own story.

Kyogo Furuhashi left over six months ago, he still hasn't been replaced. When you add in the departures of Kuhn and Greg Taylor, allied to Jota's injury, it's clear Celtic need more than Benjamin Nygren and Tierney, neither of whom are fully up to speed for different reasons.

If the discrepancy persists between Rodgers' oft-repeated desire for quality additions and the board's reluctance to loosen the purse strings accordingly, the trip to either Slovakia or Kazakhstan at the end of the month will be more fraught - and consequential - than anyone at Celtic would wish.

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Celtic picked up another opening day victory despite a tough test against Stephen Robinson's St Mirren, and they have one player in my team of the week.

Luke McCowan came off the bench to decisive effect. Always looking to make something happen.

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Luke McCowan insists Celtic will be ready for the "pressure" of their Champions League play-off against either Kairat Almaty or Slovan Bratislava.

The 27-year-old reflected on last term when Celtic reached the knockout phase of the competition for the first time in 12 years, before being narrowly beaten by Bayern Munich, and the midfielder said "there's always a demand for more".

"These players play under massive pressure all the time, it's what playing at this club takes," the former Dundee captain added.

"You need to be ready for that pressure, you need to have your chest out, your head high and go and show you're a Celtic player.

"That's what it demands and that's what the manager wants. Pressure in a game hopefully brings out your best qualities.

"I'm sure we will be [ready]. I mean, if you were to ask us to play it this midweek, I'm sure we'd all be ready.

"When those games come around, it's about embracing it and knowing what the challenge is going to be.

"I think we showed that last year, but it's about proving it again. There's always a demand for more at this club."

Tino
Fan writer

The opening weeks of a new season should be a time of pure excitement for fans of any club.

The return of matchdays, the renewed hopes for European adventure, and the anticipation of seeing fresh faces pull on the shirt all contribute to that unmistakable buzz only football can bring.

For Celtic supporters, some of those boxes have been ticked.

The team kicked off the new campaign with a win against St Mirren on Sunday, and a handful of summer signings have arrived.

But still, something feels off. Something's missing. And it's hard to ignore.

This isn't about doom-mongering. It's not to say the season won't go on to bring success, trophies, and more big moments.

But right now, as we stand one game in, there's a distinct lack of electricity in the air. The kind that should be crackling around Celtic Park as the season kicks into gear.

The club have made moves in the market, yes - but have they made enough?

There's a growing feeling among fans that the squad still lacks the reinforcements needed to properly compete on multiple fronts. The kind of reinforcements that not only strengthen the starting XI, but also lift the collective mood of the support and the dressing room.

Because for a club of Celtic's stature, with ambitions both domestically and in Europe, half-measures won't cut it.

The transfer window remains open for another few weeks yet, and there's still time to make a statement. But as of now, that spark - that pre-season optimism that should be lifting the fanbase - feels a bit subdued.

And that's the frustrating part: it's within the club's control to change this.

A marquee signing, a show of real intent in the market, or even clear communication of the club's vision for the season could flip the mood almost instantly.

Instead, there's a strange limbo - the team is off and running, but the supporters are still waiting to be truly inspired.

The foundation is there. A winning start. A manager who knows what it takes. But as fans, we're hoping the weeks ahead bring more than just points on the board.

Winning is expected - but inspiring belief takes more, and right now, Celtic need to do more.

Tino can be found at The Celtic Exchange, external

We asked for your views on Celtic's potential Champions League play-off opponents.

Here's what some of you said:

Willie: The draw is what it is. We need to strengthen up front to capitalise on chances made.

Stephen: Feels like a good draw for Celtic and we should be confident of progressing no matter which team comes through to play us. That said, I hope our penny pinching ways don't come back to bite us if David Strelec is still with Slovan Bratislava when the tie comes around!

Patrick: If we don't progress though qualifying then Brendan Rogers should walk away. He's clearly not been backed and if that costs us Champions League football, he needs to make it clear. Having said that, I'm confident we'll progress.

Peter: Unless the squad is strengthened the draw is meaningless. Our current squad will struggle to get through the qualifier but if they do they will get mighty hammerings unless a number of proven quality players are brought in.

Will: Should progress but if not the Europa League would give the squad a better chance to gain experience in Europe and probably get further than they will in the Champions League.

Martin: A good draw for Celtic as long as we don't get complacent. Brendan should guide us through to the league phase. Would like to see a couple of good signings coming through the door.

Celtic target Jakob Breum admits he could leave Go Ahead Eagles before the end of the transfer window. (ESPN via Glasgow Times, external)

Read the rest of Tuesday's Scottish gossip.

Watch the Sportscene panel analyse Celtic's squad depth after their 1-0 opening day victory over St Mirren.

Celtic will face either champions of Kazakhstan Kairat or Slovakian champions Slovan Bratislava for a place in the Champions League.

The first leg will be played at Celtic Park on 19 or 20 August.

What do you make of the draw? How confident are you Celtic can progress?

Have your say

We asked for your views on Celtic's 1-0 win against St Mirren.

Here's what some of you said:

John: St Mirren worked hard at their game plan and nearly got a point. Credit to the players for remaining calm and getting the reward for the perseverance. Onwards now for the season.

Patrick: Good performances across the park but found it difficult against a St Mirren team which has performed so well and competitively in the League Cup. Kieran Tierney was great, but needs to work on his fitness. All the pieces are there, we just need to find a way of fitting them together.

Martin: Not the best performance but a win is a win. Fair play to St Mirren, they defended well. We need more attacking options. Adam Idah and Yang Hyun-jun aren't good enough. Says it all that only two of our six signings kicked a ball.

Jack: It was a hard watch again. Negative football from St Mirren but it's up to us to break that down. We need a striker, a winger and cover in defence. Liam Scales had one of his best game. In front of goal they need to shoot instead of always trying to walk it in.

Billy: I get so frustrated watching Celtic when they play the ball back so much. It's one thing keeping position but they need to go towards the oppositions goals to score.

Benny: A win on the first day of the season again but not a convincing one. We were ok defensively and in midfield but looked short on ideas and even scoring. This showing tells us how much we really need another striker and a wide man as Yang did nothing to say he's the answer, while Idah has still to convince. Hopefully Tierney is ok and fit for next week. Improvement needed sooner rather than later.

Tommy: Celtic are much weaker now than at this point last year. The financial model which has served so well over the last few years will be severely tested with Idah and Arne Engels still looking like second rate players not a collective £20m. I fear the outcome of the impending European games with those two in the line up and Rodgers inability to tactically change from plan A.

Watch all the highlights from Celtic's 1-0 victory over St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership.

Celtic began their Scottish Premiership season with a victory, but were far from convincing as they struggled to break down a resilient St Mirren.

Have your say on the game

Read the match report here

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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "Naturally, we wanted more goals, but I think we played their system very well.

"Stephen Robinson's teams are so well-organised and they're strong and make it difficult for you.

"But I think the goalkeeper has maybe kept the scoreline down and, whilst we didn't score, we didn't get disappointed and played some fantastic football.

"It is a tough game and an emotional day - flag day - and I thought it was an excellent win.

"We had a number of opportunities to score and we were unfortunate. They are a very well organised team. We just had to stay persistent and we were able to do that. Maybe a few times we arrived into the final third and came back when we could really have gone one v one. For the first game of the season, I'm really pleased.

"Kieran Tierney's still building his fitness. He hasn't played a lot of football in the last few years so we have to manage him. I thought he was excellent. I thought Liam Scales and Cameron Carter-Vickers were brilliant, Alistair Johnston as well. Kieran looked very, very good. Once he understands a wee bit more how we play he'll be able to get into positions that fraction quicker but overall it was fantastic to see him back on at Celtic Park.

"I learned that the mentality of the team is very strong. We worked very hard over pre-season and at this stage I think it's very clear no one is going to be 100% fit. What's important so that the squad makes the impact. The important thing is we got the goal.

"I'm fed up talking about transfers. We've got until the end of the window. We concentrate on what's here, a lot of work going on behind the scenes to improve the squad."