Writing Celtic off only adds to motivation - Kenny

Irish striker Johnny Kenny says Celtic will take motivation from being "written off" prior to their Europa League tie away to Feyenoord.

The Scottish champions currently sit 27th place in the Europa League table, outside the qualifying places, with four points from four games.

"One hundred per cent, we believe [we can still qualify]," Kenny said. "I think the more motivation is when you're written off and people think you've no chance.

"There are times you have the extra fire in your belly to go and perform and get results."

The 22-year-old returned to Celtic in high spirits last week after making his Republic of Ireland debut in the stunning 3-2 win away to Hungary that secured a World Cup play-off semi-final against Czech Republic.

"It was a surreal experience, obviously," he said. "Growing up, you want to play for your country and obviously it was great to play in such a high magnitude game.

"We were written off before we went into it and obviously to score with the last kick of the ball was special.

"We spoke about all week about bringing the nation together and I think we've done that and obviously it was the same with Scotland. The whole nation is together now and we hope to do that in March."

Kenny has become Celtic's main striker with injuries and a lack of summer signings paving the way for his chance.

He was on hot form before the international break, scoring four in four games, and is determined to keep delivering.

"The last few goals now are gone, I just need to kick on and score more," he said.

"Good or bad performance, you need to move on because we have games every three days for maybe three months now so you have no time to dwell on anything.

"Even here, probably the start of October, I was struggling to make squads and then one injury and you're in. I've been playing ever since. Even with Ireland, we were written off.

"In football, no matter where you are, it can change in a flash. You just always need to be ready for when your chance comes. You need to put your two hands on it and take it."