Kennedy rewarded after battling back

Celtic defender John Kennedy has signed a new deal which keeps him at the club until the summer of 2007.

The one-year extension to his current contract comes as a massive boost to the player as he continues on his road to recovery from a serious knee injury.

Kennedy’s Scotland debut ended in agony when he suffered cruciate knee ligament damage following a crunching tackle from Romania’s Vio Ganea in March of last year.

He has since undergone three operations to rebuild his shattered knee.

However, manager Gordon Strachan has made it clear the 22-year-old still has a big part to play at the club and news of his new deal comes in the same week Kennedy returned to first-team training.

And he insists knowing his future is secure can only aid his efforts to play for the top team again.

Kennedy told the club‘s official website, www.celticfc.net: “I am delighted to sign a new one-year extension with Celtic.

“I have obviously been out injured for some considerable time, however I am honoured with the faith the club has placed in me.

“Although I have returned to first-team training this week, I know the road ahead is a long one.

“The new deal allows me to concentrate on getting back to full fitness.”

Strachan believes Kennedy’s attitude to fighting back from a career-threatening injury deserved to be rewarded.

He said: “There is no doubt that John has had a pretty tough journey over the last year and a half.

“However, he has shown great mental strength and determination to get where he is now.

“I am delighted he has agreed this new contract with the club.”

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell added: “The board is delighted to show the club‘s commitment to John by extending his present deal.

“The way he has coped with the injury and his rehab has been a credit to himself and those around him.”