Kennedy to win first Scotland cap

Tommy Burns confirmed today that John Kennedy would win his first senior Scotland cap against Romania this Wednesday.

The 20-year-old Celtic defender has been rewarded for his inspirational performances against Barcelona and Rangers with a late call-up to the full international squad.

And with injuries robbing coach Berti Vogts of at least seven players, he looks set to start with the young Scot.

“He has been there or thereabouts in the Celtic team for the last year,” said assistant manager Burns.

“He has found it difficult to start but gradually he has got better and better.

“He he had a top-class performance against Barcelona and Rangers and I don’t think you can get two more difficult away games.

“We are looking at young players of that stature getting into the international squad. Yes, I think he will start.

“He has the maturity and is physically big which you need in the modern game.

“The game is very physical, in the club game maybe more so than at international level.

“He has continued to work at his game and we have seen him become more consistent over the last couple of games.”

Vogts’ preparations however were hit by more withdrawals today. Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher, who suffered a groin injury in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal yesterday, and Blackburn striker Paul Gallagher are the latest names to go.

Vogts could also be without Celtic’s young midfielder Stephen Pearson, who picked up a knock in yesterday’s Old Firm derby with Rangers and will be assessed.

Only Steven Thompson, Neil McCann, Colin Cameron, James McFadden, Stevie Crawford, Paul Ritchie, Paul Gallacher, Craig Gordon and Scott Shearer trained this morning.

Coventry goalkeeper Shearer was called in along with John Kennedy and Southampton’s Stephen Crainey yesterday and they were joined by Portsmouth’s Richard Hughes today.

The Scottish Football Association confirmed yesterday that Robert Douglas, Jackie McNamara, Andy Webster, Gary Naysmith and Kevin Kyle were already ruled out.