With the onus firmly on international football at the moment as World Cup fever sweeping the entire country, it’s hard not to get caught up in it all, even for those of us who don’t usually care too much for the international scene…
Genuine pride from the Scotland players at the weekend
Seeing the genuine pride that the Scotland players had in representing their country in a World Cup for the first time in nearly thirty years, added with the passion of the Scottish supporters is enough to make you take interest in Scotland at the World Cup. It will be fun while it lasts.
A life-changing nightmare for John Kennedy
When it comes to representation your country in any sport, it is viewed as one of the proudest moments of the individuals career, one of the most memorable, and footballers are no different. But for Celtic’s John Kennedy it was a life-changing nightmare, and a moment that effectively put an end to a very promising career.
Back in 2003, John Kennedy was a promising young centre back who was making a name for himself in a talented Celtic side under the guidance of the legendary Martin O’Neill.
John Kennedy made his Celtic debut aged just 16
He had made his debut at the age of just 16 under Kenny Dalglish, at the time making him the youngest ever player to appear for the Hoops, and he was naturally tipped for a big future in the game.
Martin O’Neill had slowly introduced John into the Celtic side, a side that boasted the likes of seasoned internationals in Bobo Balde, Johan Mjallby, Joos Valgaeren, and Stan Varga in the central defensive ranks.
Kennedy was brilliant in the Nou Camp as Celtic eliminated Barcelona
John came to prominence as he put in a dominant and impressive display against Barcelona at the Nou Camp, with the Hoops recording a credible 0-0 draw against a Barca side that boasted the likes of Ronaldinho, a result which seen the Martin O’Neills side eliminate the Catalan giants from the UEFA cup.
A few days later, John would yet again put in an impressive display against Rangersat Ibrox in a 2-1 victory, further rising his already impressive stock.
At only 20 years of age, John was showing ability beyond his years, and it came as no surprise to learn that he had earned his first full Scotland call up under Berti Vogts.
An international debut against Romania
John was handed his debut in a ‘friendly’ against Romania at Hampden, but suffered a nasty injury after a reckless and needless ‘challenge’ from Romanian striker Ionel Ganea.
AFP via Getty Images)
Indeed, the damage to John’s knee was so significant that he spent the next three years out injured, before making a serious of comebacks. Unfortunately things weren’t right and Kennedy had to succumb to the injury which had caused devastating damage to his knee. He had no option but to retire from the game in 2009 at the age of just 26.
John Kennedy was a long-term Celtic coach and assistant manager
John of course carved a successful career for himself as a coach at Celtic, working under numerous managers such as Brendan Rodgers, Neil Lennon, and Ange Postecoglou, and is currently working alongside Brendan Rodgers in Saudi Arabia.
But that split second act of recklessness put an end to such a promising playing career. It was meant to be a dream moment for young John, but one that turned into a complete and utter nightmare.
What a waste of a brilliant career, all because of a reckless challenge in a friendly match.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
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