Norwich City fought off interest from Motherwell and Preston
to sign Celtic defender John Kennedy on loan from 27th July 2008
until January 2009.
Kennedy came through Celtic's youth system and made his first-team
debut during the 1999/00 season but it wasn't until the 2003/04
season that he really made his name.
He suffered a serious knee injury on his international debut
for Scotland against Romania in March 2004 which kept him out
of the game for three years. In late 2006 Kennedy resumed training
and was named as a substitute for Celtic's Champions League match
against A.C. Milan on 20 February 2007. He started his comeback
against Kilmarnock on 22 April 2007, helping Celtic clinch the
title. Four days later, he signed a new three year contract with
Celtic. He injured his knee again in November 2007 against Shakhtar
Donetsk in the Champions League which ruled him out for the rest
of the season
John has 15 Scottish Under-21 caps
Kennedy returned to Celtic after further damaging his troubled
knee in December 2008.On 13th November 2009, it was announced
that John Kennedy was to retire from football, at the age of 26,
on medical grounds. Kennedy said: It is with great regret
that I have made this decision. However, given the medical advice
which I received, this is the right decision. Clearly, this is
very disappointing for me and my family. However, this is something
I will accept and come to terms with. I have enjoyed my time with
Celtic immensely and I would like to thank everyone at the club
and all the Celtic fans for all the support and backing they have
given me during my time. It has been an absolute privilege to
play for such a great club and of course I wish the team the very
best for the future."