John Kennedy can do a job for Motherwell

Jul 17 2008 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

DEFENDER John Kennedy has dispelled fears that his fitness is in question, as he hopes to clinch a short-term loan deal at Motherwell from champions Celtic.

Kennedy (24), has been plagued with injuries after being crocked while on Scotland duty nearly four years ago.

The talented stopper’s career has been virtually on hold since, and he has struggled to feature for Celtic.

He returned for the game at Kilmarnock in April 2007, which won Celtic the title.

However, after getting back into the first-team, Kennedy (pictured left) suffered another injury to the same knee while playing in a Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk.

But Kennedy, who is with Motherwell at their Austrian training camp, said: “I am totally fit now and I have been working hard, pushing myself this week and over the summer.

“I also had a hard week at Celtic before coming here, so I am feeling good and just want to get in about the games, try to get some fitness and sharpness back.”

Kennedy is in limbo at the moment as a deal has yet to be struck between the clubs.

It is believed that Celtic want to keep the player at the club, and any loan deal they sanction will be until the turn of the year.

Kennedy himself just wants to get on with things and hopes something can be sorted out before he returns from Austria.

He said: “I am not too sure what is happening to be honest – I think they are still trying to sort things out back home at the moment.

“I’m just over here training, making the most of this week, and hopefully things can be sorted out quickly.

“The possible move came to my attention via [Celtic manager] Gordon Strachan and my agent, who told me about Motherwell’s interest.

“I was all for it – it’s a good opportunity for me, so hopefully it will get sorted out, but we need to wait and see what happens.

“I know what Motherwell are all about – I’ve played against them for a number of years and they did very well last season.

“If I’m coming here I will have a bit more of a chance to get regular games than with Celtic, and that will hopefully get me back on my feet again, while at the same time giving Motherwell something back.”

Kennedy admitted Motherwell’s UEFA Cup involvement was a big draw for him, although he will need to receive clearance from the Parkhead club before taking part in European competition.

But the defender has been impressed with Motherwell’s management team of Mark McGhee and Scott Leitch.

He told Motherwell’s website: “They have both been great. I’ve known Scott Leitch for a couple of years now.

“Mark McGhee last year did an excellent job with the base that he had here at Motherwell.

“He seems to be the type of guy who gets the best out of the players he’s got, and he has a good bunch here who want to work for each other and really fight for the cause.”