HOME FEEL FOR MATTY Saints signing says he returns to Scotland a better player
Photo: PPA Matty Kennedy can’t wait to get started New St Johnstone signing Matty Kennedy reckons he is returning to Scotland a better player.
The 23-year-old winger joined Everton at the age of 16 from Kilmarnock and has spent the majority of his time since down south.
Kennedy, most recently of Cardiff, enjoyed successful loan spells at both Plymouth and Portsmouth but feels the time is right for some home comforts.
He could be free to face Falkirk in the Betfred Cup tonight, if international clearance was obtained in time, after penning a two year deal.
Speaking yesterday, Kennedy said: “I was on loan at Portsmouth for a year from Cardiff and played most of the games there.
“They offered me a contract. I had a lot of good offers from down south and one from abroad which fell through.
“But I thought this was the right time to come home and get more settled. I have always been on the move.
“A lot of boys only go down for a year or two but I have been away six years.
“But I have absolutely no regrets about moving south when I was 16. Maybe my future might be back down there, who knows?
“I’m coming back to Scotland a much better player with the coaching I have had. And I have definitely enjoyed my football.”
Kennedy admits his decision to join Saints was an easy one after speaking with Perth boss Tommy Wright.
“The manager was crucial in my decision to come to St Johnstone,” he explained to the Perthshire Advertiser.
“He has been interested for a few years and when I spoke to him I knew 100 per cent I wanted to come here.
“I have got a two year deal so hopefully that’s me settled and I enjoy my football.
“Being at Cardiff there were a lot of good players and a big squad. It was hard to get into the team, especially for a younger player.
“The squads down south are bigger and as a winger you’re not going to play every game.
“But when I went out on loan to clubs like Plymouth and Portsmouth I was one of the main players, playing just about every game.
“Derek Adams was a big influence and really brought me on as a player when I was at Plymouth, when I helped them get promoted.
“I really enjoyed working under him and he has kept in touch.”
Running at defenders at pace is a big part of Kennedy’s game and he’s looking forward to linking-up with his new team mates.
Kennedy said:“I remember Neil Warnock telling me he loved my style as an old school winger. I got on well with him.
“He called me when Plymouth went up and he was buzzing because he was a fan.
“I like to take players on. One thing I have to do is add more goals to my game.
“I know Tony Watt well from our time at Cardiff. We have trained together and I’ve also played a few games with him. I’m sure we can link up well.”
Kennedy will be re-familiarising himself with Scottish football and added: “I only played 14 games for Kilmarnock before leaving for Everton and came back to Hibs on loan for a few months when I was 18.
“So I know the league even if I don’t really know the players after being in England for so long. “It’s not been on my radar. “It’s my job and I love playing but I don’t really watch much football to be honest.
“My dad watches football all the time on telly but I only saw a couple of World Cup games because my mum was watching them.”