SLIGO MAN HAILS INFLUENCE OF HOOPS BOSS BREN

IT has been a few years in the making but finally, Johnny Kenny is making a big splash at Celtic.

- BY NICK MURPHY

And the Sligo man has credited the impact Brendan Rodgers has had on him since he returned to the Bhoys in January following a successful loan spell in the green and white hoops of Shamrock Rovers.

The 21-year-old marked his first start for Celtic with his first goal, expertly heading home in the second-half to help the Hoops beat Aberdeen 5-1 at Pittodrie on Wednesday night.

The striker said: "The gaffer's been unbelievable with me since I came back.

"I knew I had to be patient and I trusted him in what he said and he's been absolutely second to none.

"Every day, even though I haven't been playing that much, he's been there to try and make me a better player and he has definitely made me a better player.

"The confidence he gives me is amazing and thankfully I repaid him on Wednesday night."