Former Celtic striker Johnny Kenny endures nightmare start following £3m Preston move
Former Celtic striker Johnny Kenny has endured a difficult start to life at Preston North End, with the Championship side rooted to the bottom of the table after 15 matches.
The Republic of Ireland international completed a £3million move to Deepdale during the closing stages of the summer transfer window, bringing an end to his time at Parkhead.
Kenny had previously impressed during a loan spell at Bolton Wanderers, helping the club secure promotion from League One last season.
Despite Bolton’s interest in bringing him back, the striker initially expressed his desire to remain at Celtic and even outlined an ambition to score 20 goals for Martin O’Neill’s side.
However, Celtic’s late move for Chelsea youngster Shim Mheuka ultimately paved the way for Kenny’s departure.
The 23-year-old has since endured a challenging introduction to Championship football, with Preston collecting just eight points from their opening 15 fixtures.
Their miserable run, consisting of two victories and two draws, leaves them seven points adrift of safety.
Former Hibernian manager Paul Heckingbottom was dismissed just weeks after Kenny’s arrival, with ex-Motherwell boss Graham Alexander eventually appointed as his replacement.
Alexander secured his first victory in charge on Saturday as Preston defeated Southampton 1-0, although Kenny was absent through injury.
The former Celtic striker is facing several weeks on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring problem, which Alexander suggested could be linked to his lack of a full pre-season at Parkhead.
Meanwhile, Kenny’s former club Bolton sit nine points above Preston in 18th place, having previously made their disappointment clear at missing out on his signature.
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