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Sam Dalby has lauded fellow Bolton Wanderers forward Johnny Kenny as their on-field understanding continues to grow during the Irishman’s loan spell from Celtic…
Johnny Kenny of Bolton Wanderers. Lincoln City v Bolton Wanderers, League One, LNER Stadium, Lincoln, 14 February 2026. Photo Anna Gowthorpe IMAGO/Shutterstock
The striker, who featured for Dundee United on loan last season, benefitted from Kenny’s contribution in Saturday’s emphatic 5-1 victory away to Exeter City for the Wanderers.
Dalby was set up by the Republic of Ireland international during the League One clash at St James Park, before Kenny went on to open his account for the club with a goal after half-time.
Speaking post-match, the 26-year-old highlighted Kenny’s work rate and impact, praising the Hoops loanee’s performance in a result that showed their developing striker partnership.
Johnny Kenny of Bolton Wanderers. Lincoln City v Bolton Wanderers, League One, LNER Stadium, Lincoln, 14 February 2026. Photo Anna Gowthorpe IMAGO/Shutterstock
Dalby said via Bolton Wanderers club media: “Johnny was brilliant all day, just running the channels and making it really difficult for their centre-halves.”
“Then he put one right across the goal for me, and I couldn’t really miss. We are very different types of players, and he does stuff that maybe I’m not the greatest at, and vice versa.”
“So, obviously, it feels like a good partnership and the more we play together, the better we get.”
Last week, Kenny reflected on his move to Bolton and how life is going in England. “I wouldn’t say it’s a lot different,”he said when asked about the difference in levels between Scottish Premiership and League One in England.
Johnny Kenny of Bolton Wanderers. Lincoln City v Bolton Wanderers, League One, LNER Stadium, Lincoln, 14 February 2026. Photo Anna Gowthorpe IMAGO/Shutterstock
“Obviously, I came in with a calf injury, so it set me back probably two or three weeks, and I’m just trying to build up to full fitness and obviously get a connection on the pitch with Sam [Dalby], who I was playing up front with today, and obviously all the other boys.”
“Down here, it’s probably a bit more physical than what I’m used to up the road. Probably a bit more direct at times, but it’s something I want to learn and get used to because I want to be here until the end of the season and perform and get us back to where we belong.”
Johnny Kenny celebrates. Celtic v theRangers. Premier Sports Cup, semi final at Hampden. 2 November 2025. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)
“I’ve been working at Celtic Park now the last year, and other stadiums in Scotland. We’re going to 60,000 at Celtic Park, and now we’re coming here. I don’t know what there is here, 3,000, 4,000.”
“Obviously, it’s different, but you have to control what you can control on the pitch. It can’t really affect what’s around you. You just need to focus on the pitch.”
Conor Spence
Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr. Click on image to order
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