Scottish FA performance director Malky Mackay has praised Kai Kennedy as quoted by the Scottish Sun.
Kennedy and other Rangers prospects Dapo Mebude and Josh McPake were amongst those in action as Scotland U19s defeated Germany on Tuesday evening.
Yet, while it was McPake who tucked away the winner, 17-year-old Kennedy was the standout.
Malky Mackay tips Rangers youngster for big things
“I thought Kai got more and more confident the second half went on against Germany,” said Makay, as quoted by the Scottish Sun. “He did really well to buy the foul for his free-kick in the second half and the shot was very well executed, just hitting the post with the keeper maybe getting a wee touch on it.”
“Technically, he is very good. He did very well for us over in Turkey last month with Billy’s under-18s team that beat Paraguay.
“We have high hopes for him and I’m sure Rangers have high hopes for him.”
Verdict
As is suggested by Mackay’s praise, Kennedy is one of Rangers’ top academy prospects.
Not only did he stand out for his country against Germany, but he also notched assists for both goals in Saturday’s win over Andorra.
It’s impressive to see him not only featuring, but also starring at U19 level, considering he’s still got two years left at this age-group.
Last season, he won Player of the Tournament when the Gers U17s lifted the Alkass Cup in Doha, and it seems he’s kicking on rather than resting on his laurels.
Right now, with age-group, Colts and Development fixtures coming thick and fast, the Academy probably remains the best place for him.
Next season, though, the time may come to send him out on loan to test himself in senior football, just as the likes of McPake and Stephen Kelly are doing right now.
