15th August 2026; Tannadice Park, Dundee, Scotland; Scottish Cup Football, Dundee United versus Celtic;
Liam Kennedy was pictured training with the Celtic first team this morning ahead of the Europa League trip to face Benfica.
It would be logical to conclude that he will be involved in Thursday’s Europa League squad.
From Sunday’s win against Motherwell Jota and Shim Mheuka will drop out since they weren’t included in the squad registered with UEFA.
Kennedy was an unused substitute in the home win over Falkirk at the end of August. He played in the pre-season friendly away to Shelbourne.
With a Co-Operation deal set up with East Kilbride Kennedy joined East Kilbride but so far he has only played 38 minutes of football for the League One side.
That came on September 12 against Peterhead as Mick Kennedy’s side recorded a 3-1 victory.
Since then Kennedy has been stuck on the bench watching third tier football.
East Kilbride Football Club can today confirm a Co-operation Agreement with Scottish Premiership side, Celtic.
As part of this agreement, the previously announced, Rhys Dargie, alongside goalkeeper, Marcus Gill & midfielder, Liam Kennedy have joined the club.
#WelcomeToEK https://t.co/kLqQi5yMiX
— East Kilbride FC (@officialEKFC) September 3, 2026
On Saturday Kennedy was on the bench as East Kilbride won 2-1 at home to Airdrie.
KENNEDY- FROM K-PARK TO STADIUM OF LIGHT
It looks very likely that on Thursday evening he’ll be listed as a substitute when Celtic face Benfica. Real Madrid have twice visited the Stadio de Luz this year in Champions League action.
Kennedy’s case highlights the issues facing Celtic as they try to develop young Scottish talent.
Over the last five plus years of playing in the Lowland League has only advanced the career of Colby Donovan.
Among Kennedy’s team-mates is Owen Moffat who had a fleeting Celtic career in late 2021 under Ange Postecoglou.
Co-operation deals were looked on as a halfway house between Academy and first team football.
Three players at a time could go out on loan to clubs in each of the lower SPFL divisions to gain experience at a higher level.
Weekly involvement against decent professionals, many of them being full time but so far that hasn’t happened at Celtic.
Last season Kyle Ure and Jude Bonnar were on loan at Ayr United, this season they are at Crewe Alexandra and Arbroath.
Kennedy may buck the trend, he could get playing time against Benfica tomorrow night.
It remains to be seen if Kennedy stays with Celtic or returns to East Kilbride for Saturday’s match away match at Cove Rangers.
CLICK HERE for SNS image of Kennedy training with Celtic.
Off topic but Liverpool showing how it’s done in Lask tonight – 3-0 up at half time whilst both commentators repeatedly remind listeners how Celtic capitulated here in the final qualifying round, back in August, after being 4-0 up with an hour left to play Its a permanent embarrassment.