JOHN KENNEDY has insisted that Celtic have the quality and mentality that is needed to win 10IAR. Last week, Celtic’s title was ratified with games unable to resume as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. Celtic equalled the record set by Jock Stein’s side in 1974 and can go one better with another league title win next season.

The 36-year-old was promoted to Assistant Manager to Neil Lennon following Brendan Rodgers’ departure to Leicester. Speaking to The Scottish Sun, Kennedy has admitted that Celtic have celebrated their title but are ready to prepare for the next season.

“Winning nine in a row is an incredible achievement by everyone.

“But pretty much after last week’s celebrations we had a meeting and it was all about the next season.

“Of course, you still enjoy the feeling of nine and you savour it.

“But, quickly, we also switched on to how we were going to set things up for going back to training, what does the squad require, what decisions we need to make, what’s going to allow us to attack this season as we always do.

“There’s the desire to become the country’s dominating force, while at the same time trying to progress in Europe.”

Kennedy had his career cruelly ended prematurely in 2009 following a shocking injury in March 2004. Kennedy has transitioned from player to coach and hopes to continue making history for Celtic by winning 10 in a row.

“The approach we’ve always had has been not to get caught off guard. You have to concentrate on the here and now and by doing that it can get us to where we want.

“Fortunately, we now have just one season to go for the ten and be part of even more history.

“On a personal level, I’ve always been driven to win as much as I possibly can. I know Neil’s the same.

“We want to get as many trophies as we can. We’ve been relentless over the years and that’s why we’ve been so successful. It’s not going to change.

“We’ve got born winners in the squad. We’ve got a group of brilliant professionals, really talented. They are also supported by a strong backroom staff.

“But the minute we stop and admire all the work we’ve done and tell each other we’ve been wonderful, then everybody else will catch up — and that’s when things will change.

“It’s probably only when I’m an old man that I’ll take time out to properly reflect on what’s been achieved here.”

Whilst Kennedy could have decided to join Brendan Rodgers at Leicester, he decided to remain at Celtic and has been an integral part of the transition between Rodgers and Lennon, giving the players the tactical briefings that they were accustomed to under Rodgers.

Kennedy and Lennon have formed a winning partnership, winning four out of four trophies since their appointment. The pair will be without Damien Duff who will depart next month and they will require a replacement to step in ready to continue the winning momentum that the club are enjoying.