GAEL GAEL

Johnny prays Shamrock will be lucky symbol for Celts' table-top cracker and pave way for Kenny clan to celebrate Sligo final win

- BY FRASER WILSON

HE might be eyeing a starring role in a box office, top of the table clash at Tynecastle.

But Johnny Kenny won't even take top billing in his own family this afternoon.

The Celtic striker is hoping to get the nod to lead the line for the Hoops against Hearts.

But back home in Ireland there's a bigger occasion for the Kenny clan as his three brothers line up in the Sligo Club Championship Gaelic football final.

Ciaran, Niall and Patrick will run out for Shamrock Gaels as they tackle Coolera-Strandhill for the silverware and county bragging rights.

It's a huge deal in the tiny village of Riverstown where Kenny still calls home as Gaels haven't won the championship in 33 years.

In fact he flew back for the first clash between the rivals that ended all square with Ciaran on the scoresheet a fortnight ago.

Now he’s hoping for a beautiful Sunday family double with the Sligo showdown on at 3pm shortly after full-time at Tynecastle.

But as he focuses on his own massive afternoon in a title tussle, Kenny knows he'll have to go it alone as Brendan Rodgers’ side look to cut the gap on Hearts at the top of the table.

He said: “No, my family won't be over this time.

“My brothers have a Gaelic final for the first time in 33 years so they're on the top of the list this weekend!

“It’s a Sligo Club Championship final. Three of my brothers will play, Ciaran, Niall and Patrick, so they're the priority this weekend.

“I was there two weeks ago, but it ended a draw so this is now a replay.

“Look, I can't wait for Tynecastle so I wouldn't change that.