Celtic clincher at Kilmarnock will see history repeated as Kennedy comeback just one Rugby Park party piece

John Kennedy has played a key role in Celtic’s run towards another title. And if the Hoops do complete the job at Kilmarnock, it will surely evoke stirring Rugby Park memories for the assistant manager.

Back in 2007, the Parkhead club clinched their 41st crown under the guidance of Gordon Strachan. Shunsuke Nakamura’s dramatic late free-kick sealed a 2-1 success and sent the boss racing down the touchline in delight. Not only did the day secure the silver, it also marked an incredible return to the pitch for Kennedy.

Over three years after having his knee destroyed on Scotland duty by a disgraceful tackle from Romanian Ionel Ganea, the defender made the comeback that few believed possible as he was going through a series of operations, setbacks and failed attempts to get back into action. Returning to the side because of Stephen McManus’ suspension and an injury to Lee Naylor, the centre-back looked as if he’d never been away with a polished performance.

Strachan was almost as elated at Kennedy’s comeback as he was with winning the flag as he said at the time: “I can’t get John out of my head. I don’t think any of us have ever seen someone be out for three years then come back and play at a half-decent level. I said to John, in all his dreams, I bet he never imagined coming back in this situation.”

Kennedy himself has since referenced the special moment, saying: “There was that couple of months’ period where you were back fit and you were ready again but you just had to wait for your opportunity and it so happened that was the game.

“It was a bit of a fairytale in that respect, it was on the day we managed to win the league and that will live with me for the rest of my days. I remember Gordon after the game kind of