Johnny Kenny Axed: Three Celtic Fringe Players Wilfried Nancy Has to Start vs Motherwell

Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy has dropped striker Johnny Kenny from the starting lineup for the upcoming Premiership clash against Motherwell, opting instead to blood three fringe players amid a transitional period at the club. The decision comes as Celtic navigates uncertainty following Brendan Rodgers' resignation, with Martin O'Neill temporarily in charge alongside Shaun Maloney before Nancy's anticipated permanent appointment.[1][2][5]

Kenny, the 22-year-old Irish forward who has featured prominently under O'Neill—including starts in every match since his return and a recent international debut for Republic of Ireland—has been a revelation for the fringe squad. He impressed in World Cup qualifiers, nearly scoring in a dramatic 3-2 win over Hungary, and voiced support for O'Neill's interim role, calling it "positive news" despite speculation around Nancy.[2][7] However, with the team facing fixture congestion and sustainability concerns from playing the same XI every three days, Nancy seeks fresh legs.[3]

The Three Players Nancy Must Start

• James Forrest: The veteran winger, long a Celtic stalwart, brings experience and creativity from the bench. His inclusion could reinvigorate the attack against Motherwell's defense.[1]
• Jahmai Simpson-Pusey: The young center-back offers defensive solidity and pace, ideal for high-pressing play. As a fringe talent, he repaid O'Neill's faith earlier in the season.[1][5]
• Colby Donovan: Another promising defender, Donovan's versatility in the backline addresses concerns about Celtic's second-half vulnerabilities, as noted in recent previews.[1][3]

The article argues these changes are essential for rotation, praising O'Neill's work with peripherals like Kenny, Auston Trusty, and Callum Osmand, who stepped up amid a title push. Nancy, drawing from O'Neill's blueprint of praising players to rebuild confidence, must integrate these three to challenge Hearts at the summit and sustain momentum toward March playoffs. Celtic's response under interim management has been strong, but sustainable depth is key.[1][5]

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