Scotland under-21 internationalist Matthew Kennedy has joined Hibs on an initial six-month loan from Everton and the teenage winger says he is excited to be reunited with Alan Stubbs.
Winger Kennedy is the latest player to be introduced during the summer transfer window – following goalkeeper Mark Oxley, defender David Gray, midfielder Scott Allan and striker Farid El Alagui.
Kennedy, 19, experienced loan spells with Tranmere Rovers and Milton Keynes Dons last season and also featured for Everton’s under-21 side – then managed by new Hibernian Head Coach Stubbs.
Originally with Kilmarnock, Irvine-born Kennedy moved south to Everton in August 2012 and says he is now thrilled to be returning to Scotland to join Hibernian on loan.
Kennedy told the club website: “I’m really excited about being here – Hibernian are a massive club and I’m looking forward to working with Alan Stubbs again.
“He was my manager with the under-21s at Everton and I’ve always enjoyed working with him, so everything about this loan move made sense.
“I’m looking to play as regularly as possible and to help Hibernian climb back up into the Premiership.
“I trained for the first time today (Friday), but I feel like I’ve settled in really quickly and I already know some of the players here.
“I’ve played with Danny (Handling) and Sam (Stanton) with Scotland under-21s and I played with Heff (Paul Heffernan) and Michael (Nelson) at Kilmarnock.
“This is a new challenge for me and I’m determined to make the most of it by being part of a successful Hibs team.”
Stubbs welcomed the news and believes Kennedy will add extra quality to Hibernian’s first team squad.
Stubbs said: “Matthew is a player with huge potential and he will be a great addition to our squad.
“His arrival emboldens what I’ve consistently said throughout the summer transfer window – we want to bring quality players here to Hibernian.
“I’m delighted to sign someone, who I have worked with over the past couple of years – he knows exactly what I want and I know what he is capable of.
“I would like to thank Everton for allowing me to take one of their talented young players on a six-month loan and believe Hibernian will be a great platform for him to continue his development and to fulfil his potential.”
The club are still awaiting international clearance, but should that be permitted then Kennedy will eligible to make his Hibernian debut against Livingston tomorrow at Easter Road.
Kennedy has been allocated squad number 30 for the 2014/15 Scottish Championship season
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
