Kennedy backs Hoops to turn it around

Former Celtic defender John Kennedy is confident the Hoops have enough strength of character to pull through their inconsistent start to the season.

Celtic could go out of Europe tomorrow night even if they beat Hapoel Tel Aviv in their penultimate group game in the Europa League.

The Hoops are already out of the Co-operative Insurance Cup following defeat by Hearts amid a run of two wins in 10 matches.

Tony Mowbray has endured a difficult start to his Celtic managerial career, but Saturday’s 3-1 victory over St Mirren took his side back to the Clydesdale Bank Premier League summit.

And Kennedy said: “We’ve got many characters, including Mick (McManus), in the dressing room who will soldier on.

“That’s what you need in a dressing room, people who, through hard times when results aren’t going your way, are going to pick people’s spirits up and battle on.

“Hopefully after the result on Saturday we can really kick on from here. I’ve no doubt that everyone is up to the challenge.”