Kennedy sympathy over Hedman's loan switch

Celtic starlet John Kennedy believes team-mates Magnus Hedman was right to join Ancona on loan until the end of the season – but it is not an option he would consider.

The goalkeeper’s brave decision to join the Italian side comes just days after Kennedy returned to the first team.

While the Scotland Under-21 international is determined to keep his place in the side, he acknowledges Hedman had not option but to leave to keep his Euro 2004 dream alive.

“I can understand, definitely,” said Kennedy. “Magnus is a great goalkeeper, but at the minute Rab is keeping him out of the team because he has been magnificent in recent weeks.

“His decision has been made especially with the European Championships coming up.

“Maybe now he will get the games so it is a good move for the club and for the player.”

Kennedy was impressive after coming back into the side against Aberdeen.

His assured performances have promptd manager Martin O’Neill to offer him a new contract which the 20-year-old will be more than happy to put his name to.

In the meantime, he plans to keep the likes of Joos Valgaeren and Bobo Balde out of the team.

“The loan thing is quite good for some players,” explained Kennedy. “I haven’t really thought about it.

“Maybe it could be something I will look at in the future if the manager thinks it’s beneficial to me.

“You do look and see players doing well on loan and that works in their favour when they return to the club.

“But in other ways it could push you even further away and work the other ways so it comes down to luck I suppose.

“But I definitely want to stay at this club because it’s a massive club.

“All the boys want to stay as long as they can and hopefully I can get the deal sorted out.

“It’s going to be hard to stay in the side now, but all I can do is give it my best.

“I didn’t have my best game against Hibs and I have been out for a few months, but the manager gave me the chance last weekend and I’m glad. I hope I showed I am worth a start.”

Kennedy’s performance at Pittodrie last Saturday prompted defensive partner Stanislav Varga to heap praise on him.

“I thought he was outstanding – he was my man of the match,” said Varga.

“He coped well with everything and I was glad for him because I know that he was probably disappointed after the League Cup game against Hibs at Easter Road last month.

“He didn’t play as well as he can that night, but he was playing out of position and it was a tough game for him.

“Anytime I have played with him other than that he has been excellent and to me he is a big prospect for the Celtic team. I am sure he has what it takes to make it here.

“His confidence will have been given a boost from Saturday and I was glad because I felt we had a strong partnership during the game.

“I’m sure Jackie (McNamara) and Didier (Agathe) were pleased too because he was very strong for us.”