Celtic coach John Kennedy impressed with 'blossoming' Bhoys combination

By Ben Evans

February 14, 2023

Celtic assistant coach John Kennedy has admitted he’s been really impressed with Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt’s partnership.

Kennedy was speaking to The Scotsman, and highlighted how important the pair have been to their recent success. Celtic are currently on an eight-game winning streak in all competitions.

In that time, they’ve kept six clean sheets, with Starfelt featuring in each of those matches. Their defensive stability has helped Celtic open up a nine-point gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

Ange Postecoglou praised the centre-back pairing for their performance against St. Mirren at the weekend.

Kennedy has echoed his thoughts, and been very pleased with Carter-Vickers and Starfelt’s partnership at Celtic.

It’s likely Kennedy has imparted plenty of knowledge to both players as part of his role in Celtic’s backroom staff.

They’ve certainly benefitted, with Celtic on course to concede less than a goal a game in the league this season.

Kennedy impressed with Carter-Vickers and Starfelt’s ‘blossoming’ Celtic partnership

Speaking about the two defenders, Kennedy said: “It’s good to have two strong characters like Cameron and Carl.

“They have been key to the stability at the back. They’ve played a lot together and you can see the relationship blossoming.

It will get even better in time. Alongside that we have Yuki (Kobayashi), who has looked good since he has come in, and Stephen Welsh has also contributed a lot as well.

“The squad is in a good place defensively.”

Celtic have outscored the rest of the league by quite some distance, and are playing some brilliant, attacking football.

It’s impossible to do that without a strong, defensive base though.

Kennedy’s evaluation of Starfelt and Carter-Vickers is very much one many Celtic fans will agree with.

The Swedish international has been lauded as an unsung hero in recent weeks by Postecoglou.

If he can lead Celtic to another Scottish Premiership title, he’s certainly won’t be unsung for long.