Celtic’s young player praised for his calmness during SPFL debut.

Liam Kennedy makes impressive SPFL debut

Celtic youngster Liam Kennedy has received praise for the composure he showed after making his first appearance in the SPFL during East Kilbride’s 3-1 victory over Peterhead in League One.

Celtic loanee Liam Kennedy got on for his debut in the second half(Image: Adam Mayle)

The 17-year-old midfielder began his loan spell with the Kilby in positive fashion, coming off the bench during the second half and helping Mick Kennedy’s side secure an important home victory.

East Kilbride had to work hard for the three points after Peterhead initially made things difficult. However, the hosts produced an improved second-half performance and eventually completed a convincing 3-1 comeback.

Cami Elliott was the standout player for East Kilbride, finding the net three times to claim the match ball. His first goal arrived during the opening period, before he added two more after the interval to complete an impressive hat-trick.

For Liam Kennedy, the match represented an important milestone in his development. The Celtic academy player was introduced after 52 minutes, replacing Joao Balde in the middle of the park.

It was his first experience of SPFL football, and although the level presented a different challenge to what he has been accustomed to with Celtic B in the Lowland League, his manager was impressed by what he saw.

Manager impressed by Kennedy’s calmness

East Kilbride boss Mick Kennedy believes the teenager already possesses the technical qualities required to succeed, although he recognises that the midfielder will need some time to adapt to the increased demands of League One.

Speaking about the youngster’s first appearance, Kennedy praised his performance and highlighted the calmness he displayed when in possession.

“He did really well. Technically, he is really good, he just needs to get used to the level of football,” the Kilby manager said.

The East Kilbride boss explained that SPFL football can be more demanding physically and considerably quicker than the matches Kennedy has been playing for Celtic B.

“It is probably a bit more physical and more frantic than playing in the Lowland League with Celtic B,” he added.

Despite those differences, Kennedy felt the Celtic youngster adapted well and showed enough encouraging signs to suggest that he can become an important player during his time at the club.

“He had a good debut, showed really good moments of composure on the ball and I’m sure he will be a really good player for us,” he said.

The comments will provide encouragement for the 17-year-old as he begins what could be an important loan spell away from Celtic.

East Kilbride boss Mick Kennedy(Image: Adam Mayle)

Regular exposure to senior football should give Kennedy the opportunity to develop physically and tactically while also becoming accustomed to the pace and intensity of the SPFL.

His ability to remain composed in possession was particularly encouraging given the different demands of League One.

Sam Culbert provides another option

Kennedy also discussed East Kilbride’s other recent arrival, Sam Culbert, after the 20-year-old joined the club on a season-long loan from Livingston.

Culbert was included in the matchday squad for the Peterhead game but remained an unused substitute.

Despite not making his debut, Mick Kennedy believes the versatile player could become extremely valuable to the squad, particularly with East Kilbride currently dealing with several injury problems.

Culbert’s ability to operate in different positions gives the manager another option when selecting his team.

“With the number of we’ve got out at the moment, it is great to have a utility man like Sam join us,” Kennedy explained.

The East Kilbride boss pointed out that Culbert can contribute in several areas of the pitch, including central midfield and wider positions. He also believes the player is particularly useful at right-back.

That versatility could prove important because Sean Fagan currently needs additional cover in that position.

Kennedy admitted that right-back is an area where East Kilbride do not currently have an abundance of options, making Culbert’s arrival especially useful.

“He can play a number of positions, from centre-midfield, off the side and he is very good at right-back,” he said.

“Sean Fagan needs a bit of cover there, and it is one place where we lack a bit of that.”

Culbert could feature soon

Another quality highlighted by Kennedy was Culbert’s physical condition. The manager described the new signing as fit and athletic, suggesting he should be capable of contributing once he has fully settled into the group.

“He is very fit and athletic, gives us lots of options and there’s loads of positives there,” Kennedy said.

The immediate priority, however, is making sure the new arrival becomes comfortable within the squad and understands the way East Kilbride want to play.

Kennedy explained that Culbert had only recently joined the group, meaning there was still some work to be done before he could be fully integrated.

“We just need to integrate him into the group,” the manager said.

Although Culbert did not get onto the pitch against Peterhead, Kennedy suggested that supporters may not have to wait too long to see him in action.

“He was on the bench but he didn’t get on, so we’ll maybe see him next week.”

For East Kilbride, the arrival of both players provides additional depth at an important stage of the season.

Kennedy’s encouraging SPFL debut gives Celtic another reason to be pleased with his progress, while Culbert’s versatility could help the Kilby navigate their current injury problems.

The 3-1 victory over Peterhead therefore delivered more than just three points. Elliott’s hat-trick provided the attacking headline, but Kennedy’s composed introduction offered another positive for Mick Kennedy as he looks to strengthen his squad and continue competing strongly in League One.