Kennedy pleased as new look side takes shape

Youth boss John Kennedy was delighted by his side’s display in the 2-0 win over Dunfermline yesterday.

Another couple of goals wouldn’t have flattered the home team who were much changed from last season’s double winners.

With Tony Watt suspended, Filip Twardzik injured and Callum McGregor on the bench only Robbie Thomson and Jackson Irvine remained from last season’s regulars.

It took Celtic until the 58^th minute to make the breakthrough when Bahrudin Atajic netted from Liam Gormley’s cross with Kennedy pleased that his side’s patience was rewarded.

“We lacked a little bit of a cutting edge but it’s a new squad we’re working with and they handled it really well,” the coach explained. “We played some great stuff and you could see the goal coming.

“We hit the post twice and missed a few chances then Bahrudin tucked one away and we were able to relax a bit

“We gave Paul George a bit of a free role. He played off Bahrudin to get on the ball and find space, he did that well. Paul hasn’t played as much as he’d have liked but he’s worked hard in training, we unleashed him today and he caused Dunfermline a lot of problems.

“John Herron was outstanding coming in off the right flank and got into a few good positions capped off by his goal.”

There was a lot less drama to yesterday’s win than the 4-3 victory over Hibs last Saturday as the new look team found their feet.

Captain Jackson Irvine anchored the midfield alongside Lewis Kidd with Herron, George and Rhys Williamson all pushing forward to support Atajic.

“We got back on track after the defeat in Marseilles,” Kennedy added. “It took a bit of time to break down Dunfermline but they did well and played as a strong unit.

“During the week we spoke about how defenders take the same pride in clean sheets that strikers do with scoring goals. Against Hibs we lost three goals but this time we were much tighter and Robbie (Thomson) had a good save early in the second half.”

CELTIC: Robbie Thomson: Mikey Miller, Marcus Fraser, Curtis Jones, Joe Chalmers; Lewis Kidd, John Herron, Jackson Irvine, Rhys Williamson (Liam Gormley 58); Bahrudin Atajic (McGregor 78), Paul George.