The Youth Interview - Fighting Back

Paul Kennedy is intent on making his way back from injury and earning a place in the reserve side.

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LIKE many of the young players in the Celtic Academy system, Paul Kennedy has spent half his life playing for Celtic while progressing through the youth ranks, and the 18-year-old is preparing himself for the biggest season of his life so far.

The former under-18 captain has made the move up to Tommy McIntyre’s reserve side, and was delighted to see his former coach, Stephen McManus, also recently make the transition to the second string.

Kennedy is hoping the former Celtic captain can continue to get the best out of him as he looks to impress in the reserves in the hope of continuing his impressive journey through the Academy system.

HOW HAVE THINGS BEEN FOR YOU IN RECENT WEEKS?

I’m out with an injury just now. It was bothering me towards the end of last season and when I started pre-season training it was bothering me again. I’ve not been able to do much in recent months, I got back into full training a couple of weeks ago and it acted up again, so I flagged it up with the physios and I’m waiting on an operation now. I’m looking forward to getting back as soon as possible.

HOW WAS THE END OF LAST SEASON?

I didn’t miss any games. It was the last three or four weeks of the season that it was bothering me, not long after the Youth Cup final. I have mixed emotions about the end of the season. We lost in the Youth Cup final which was really frustrating because we really wanted to end the season on a high and win that. I was in the squad for the Glasgow Cup final with the reserves, though. It was good to be a part of the squad for that but I never got on to actually be involved.

WHEN DID YOU JOIN THE CELTIC ACADEMY