McGhee adds a couple

UPDATE Mon 14/7  2300: Celtic say that the deal has not been done.


Kennedy's agreement should see him at Fir Park until December but it seems that we might be looking to secure the signature of O'Brien on a longer term.

The highly rated central defender matches up well to the manager's oft repeated comments that we need a bigger physical presence at the back. Kennedy has had a torrid time in the last few years with a series of knee injuries but he has not had an opportunity for first team football at Parkhead in the last season.

O'Brien is a twenty year old forward who has been farmed out to Dunfermline and Dundee United in the last couple of seasons. The BBC reports that McGhee will assess him during the Austrian trip and then decide what fee we should offer Celtic.

Following McGhee's shrewd signings last season there is no reason to suspect that these newcomers will not be able to make a contribution to our cause this year. O'Brien does not come with the greatest of reports from his former fans but our famed pre-season sharpening routines seemed to work wonders last year - let's hope for more of the same.

The arrival of central midfielder Kennedy will provide strong competition for both Reynolds and Craigan and also deliver a comforting backup in case of injury or suspension.

There is still a month before the first SPL game and the shape of the squad continues to develop. The additions to date are, Malcolm in midfield, Kennedy at the back (till December at least), and Jim O'Brien as a possible contender up front.

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