Here and now

LATICS goalkeeper Paddy Kenny

PADDY Kenny is delighted to be embarking on a new chapter in his career.

The 36-year-old goalkeeper’s arrival on an emergency loan late last week came as a surprise to some, but having been handed the No. 1 spot in the side at Paul Rachubka’s expense, he is determined to make his mark.

The Bolton player’s first senior run-out for eight months was smooth enough at Rochdale.

And he now hopes to make up for lost time, leading from the back as Athletic aim to get into the third round of the FA Cup with a win over Doncaster tomorrow.

“I really enjoyed Saturday - and the result helped,” Kenny said.

“I’ve had a couple of under-21 matches and friendlies, but in terms of competitive games it’s a good eight months since I have played. So it was good to be back out there and involved.

“It has been difficult, but you have to get on with it. I was playing last season up until I got injured at Christmas. I played a couple of months while injured, which I probably shouldn't have done. It didn’t help.

“I was told I wasn’t needed at Leeds and luckily enough, I ended up at Bolton and then had the chance to play here. It was frustrating, but things move quickly and teams move on. It’s just on to another chapter now. I’m looking forward to this month, playing some games and help by playing my part to keep the club on a good run.”

Kenny’s short-term contract at Bolton, where he has acted as cover following his release at Elland Road in the summer, expires early next year.

“We will have to cross that bridge when we come to it,” he said of his future, which with Athletic runs up to the loan expiry date of January 5.

“I am only contracted to Bolton until January 19 anyway so we will just have to see what occurs with everything there.”

As for taking over from the similarly-experienced Rachubka, Kenny says there is no animosity.

“I know Chubs and was at Leeds with him,” he said. “But we are all professional enough to know that if I’m playing he will help me, and if he is playing I’ll help him.”

Manager Lee Johnson, meanwhile, has stressed that fans should enjoy the talents of midfield maestro Daniel Johnson while they can.

The on-loan Aston Villa man has scored three goals in as many appearances, also creating one for Jonathan Forte with a sumptuous pass at Sheffield United.

While admitting that a run to round three in the FA Cup could potentially mean extra funds to use in the New Year, the boss refused to make any promises over the prospects of keeping hold of Johnson beyond the expiry of his loan on January 5.

“Of course, we would like to keep him. But you just never know,” Athletic’s manager said.

“There will be potential suitors, I am sure. He may decide it’s a good career move to come to someone like us, but there is also Aston Villa in this who may decide they will take him back and play him. We have to enjoy him for the moment.”