Motherwell switch for Kennedy

O'Brien also moves to Fir Park in double loan deal

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 14th July 2008

Motherwell switch for Kennedy

Kennedy: Loan deal

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Motherwell have snapped up defender John Kennedy on loan from Celtic.

The 24-year-old suffered the second serious knee injury of his career when he was stretchered off in Celtic's UEFA Champions League game against Shakhtar Donetsk last season.

He has now been allowed to link up with Motherwell, and manager Mark McGhee is delighted to have secured his services.

McGhee will monitor Kennedy's fitness on a pre-season tour of Austria this week before giving him his debut against Wolves next Wednesday.

"I would think Celtic will want to see how well John does and then bring him back to challenge for a first-team place in their setup," McGhee explained in the Daily Record.

Perfect

"He won't play on this trip but it will give him time to get ready and get to know everybody.

"John will make his debut against Wolves but it's still to be decided whether or not he will play for us in the Uefa Cup.

"But in the meantime I've seen enough of him to know his size and physique make him perfect for what we're looking for at Motherwell."

McGhee has also agreed a loan deal with Celtic for highly-rated young forward Jim O'Brien.

The 20-year-old Irishman has previously had loan spells with Dunfermline and Dundee United, and will be hoping to continue his development at Fir Park.