KENNEDY’S LOAN SPELL AT EAST END PARK OVER

Kai Kennedy has returned to parent club Rangers after being recalled from his loan at Dunfermline.

The East End Park club confirmed yesterday that the Scotland under-21 internationalist’s spell had come to an end.

Announcing the departure on social media, Dunfermline posted: “(We) can confirm that Kai Kennedy will be returning to Rangers, having been recalled from his loan.

“We thank Kai for his efforts and wish him well in the future.”

Kennedy was initially sent to the Fifers on loan until the end of the season.

Unfortunately for the youngster, his playing time was limited due to injury, illness and Covid-related absences.

Boss John Hughes previously thought Kennedy would be returning to Ibrox, with yesterday’s announcement confirming the departure.

The 19-year-old made 14 appearances for Dunfermline. He scored one goal, in the 3-3 draw with Queen of the South on December 11.

Former Dunfermline Athletic defender Lee Bullen has been appointed as manager at Ayr United.

The 50-year-old takes charge of the side following the dismissal of former Dundee boss Jim Duffy, after just two months in charge, in December.

The Honest men conducted interviews with a number of candidates before selecting the Bullen.

The Pars fans’ favourite played around 130 times for the East End Park side, helping them to the 2004 Scottish Cup final.

He then moved to Sheffield Wednesday where he captained Paul Sturrock’s side to promotion from League One via the play-offs in 2005.

Bullen was latterly the club’s under-23s coach and had three spells as caretaker manager.

A statement from Wednesday read: “The native Scot now moves back to his homeland and departs with the sincere thanks and very best wishes of everyone associated with Sheffield Wednesday.”

Ayr welcome cinch Championship leaders Arbroath to Somerset Park today.