O'Neill holds out hope for Kennedy

Martin O’Neill is still confident that John Kennedy will pull on the Hoops again – despite revealing that he will have to return to America for a second operation on his knee.

The young defender, who is fighting to save his career after the horror tackle from Vio Ganea while on international duty at the end of March, underwent surgery by top surgeon Dr Richard Steadman in Colorado over the weekend.

Reports back have been encouraging and despite having to return to the States in eight weeks’ time for a second operation, O’Neill revealed the prognosis is encouraging.

The Celtic boss said: “The first operation has gone very well and the signs are good but it’s not going to change the rehabilitation or the length of time.

“It is a serious operation and he will report back in a couple of weeks for another one.”

Scottish PFA player of the year Chris Sutton has also given his manager some good news by vowing to be fit for the Tennent’s Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline on May 22.

The versatile Englishman has not played since aggravating a long-standing groin problem after scoring a double in the semi-final win over Livingston earlier this month.

But Sutton is optimistic that he will be back playing again before next month’s showpiece final.

“Obviously I am very pleased to have won this award – especially as it was voted by the players,” enthused Sutton. “That means a lot to me.

“I’ve enjoyed my four years in Scotland and I aim to enjoy the two I have left on my new contract just as much.

“Hopefully I’ll be fit for the cup final now. I’ve been coming on slowly but it would be nice to get some games in beforehand.

“I would expect to be there, although you never know.”

In his absence, 18-year-old striker Aiden McGeady made an instant name for himself by firing a goal on his senior debut in yesterday’s 1-1 draw with Hearts at Tynecastle.

The teenager has already committed his future to the Republic of Ireland despite Scotland manager Berti Vogts’ best efforts to persuade him otherwise.