Celtic want Kennedy summer switch

Celtic aim to find a summer loan deal for Kennedy

Celtic defender John Kennedy may head abroad for summer football, with the United States or Scandinavia possible destinations for the 23-year-old.

Kennedy is fit again after almost three years out of action with a career-threatening knee injury.

And manager Gordon Strachan told Celtic View: "People have asked about getting him on loan, but we have spoken about trying to get summer football.

"At this point in time, that's what we're trying to do."

Kennedy's knee was smashed following a challenge by Romania's Ioan Ganea in his Scotland debut at Hampden Park in March 2004.

And he has already missed out on a potential loan move to Canadian side Toronto FC - because of the club's playing surface.

Toronto - who are managed by former Celt Maurice Johnston - play on a plastic pitch and Kennedy's knee specialist advised against the move.

Everyone was up for it until we mentioned that our new stadium has a plastic pitch Toronto boss Mo Johnston

His specialist - USA based John Steadman - was consulted but recommended that, because of the synthetic surface, it would not be the right move.

Johnston said he has been a long-term admirer of the central defender.

"I remember just how great a player he was before getting that horrendous injury," he told the Daily Express.

"All the reports confirmed that he is already getting there and we would have been giving him the opportunity to continue his recovery during the summer at a very high level.

"I spoke with Gordon Strachan and John's agent and everyone was up for it until we mentioned that our new stadium has a plastic pitch.

"They took advice from his specialist and the word came back that he could not be risked on that surface at this stage of his career."

Former Celtic midfielder Morten Weighorst could also make a move for Kennedy.

The Dane is currently in charge of FC Nordsjaelland in his homeland and has admitted his interest.

"I've heard Celtic are looking to get him on a loan deal and I will look into it because I would definitely be interested," said Weighorst.