Kennedy To Carlisle

[Edmund]

http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/carlisle-united/latest/carlisle-united-on-the-trail-of-leicester-left-back-tom-kennedy-1.773775?referrerPath=/1.49997

CARLISLE UNITED ON THE TRAIL OF LEICESTER LEFT-BACK TOM KENNEDY

CARLISLE United are on the trail of Leicester left-back Tom Kennedy as manager Greg Abbott steps up his bid to replace stricken Sean McDaid.

The Blues boss – who has admitted McDaid is fighting to save his career – wants a new player in his squad in time for Saturday’s trip to Bristol Rovers.

And News & Star Sport understands that 25-year-old Kennedy has emerged as a top target.

The former Rochdale full-back has only made four appearances for the Foxes since joining the Walkers Stadium club in the summer.

And new Leicester manager Sven-Goran Eriksson appears ready to let the Bury-born player out on loan to get some first-team football.

Kennedy, nephew of legendary Liverpool left-back Alan Kennedy, was one of the stars of Rochdale’s League Two promotion campaign and was linked with a host of Championship clubs before signing for Leicester.

United are not commenting on the identity of any of their targets but Abbott said he was hoping to make an addition to his injury-hit squad before the clash with the Pirates.

“We have got to try to find the right one,” said Abbott. “It’s proving difficult but we are hopeful something might be done before the weekend.

“We’re trying our best to make something happen.”

There was better news on the injury front for Abbott last night as fit-again Lubo Michalik and Danny Livesey both completed an hour of United’s 2-0 Cumberland Cup win at Penrith.

Leeds loanee Michalik (hamstring) could now make his first-team return at Bristol, while Livesey (groin) will now step up his comeback bid after playing his first game for six months.

And there could be a further boost for the Blues boss later today when he is due to learn whether James Chester will be fit enough to rejoin the squad, after returning to parent club Manchester United for treatment on a knee injury.

“The news on James is better than first thought – we thought he was going to be off to the specialist and for an operation but that doesn’t seem to be the case,” said Abbott.

Francois Zoko, meanwhile, will be given “as long as possible” before a decision is made on his availability for the weekend following an ankle injury.

Goals from Andy Cook and Ben Marshall gave United victory at Penrith in front of a crowd of more than 350, but coach Eric Kinder said the return of Livesey was the night’s major plus point.

Trialist midfielder Ransford Addo also featured for a Blues line-up that included first-team hopefuls Kevan Hurst, Tony Kane and Ben McKenna along with keeper Tony Caig.

Kinder said: “Penrith were better than us for an hour – they closed down faster and passed it better. A few harsh words were said by the manager at half-time and after that we improved.

“Conditions were atrocious and it wasn’t a very good performance but the main thing to come out of it was Danny Livesey playing football again and coming through an hour unscathed.

“Lubo Michalik got through his 60 minutes very comfortably too so that is another massive positive.”

Penrith boss James Tose said: “We played very well in the first half but in the end it was just that bit of quality that made the difference.”

United: Caig, Kane, Osmond, Michalik (Potts 60), Livesey (McGlen 60), Addo, Hurst, Symington (Towler 67), McKenna, Cook, Marshall.

Penrith: Holland, Paul, Jones, Gray (Thornton 76), Robertson, Hoolickin, Douglas, Anthony, Lea (Robinson 59), Earl, Allison (Wilson 59).

PAUL Ince was today confirmed as the new boss of United’s League One rivals Notts County following Sunday’s sacking of Craig Short.

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[MPH]

http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/carlisle-united/latest/carlisle-united-on-the-trail-of-leicester-left-back-tom-kennedy-1.773775?referrerPath=/1.49997

Good for him to get some games.

[Wymsey]

Good move. He is proven in league 2 so lets give him experience in Carlisle's league.

[Heart-Shaped Fox]

I'd be surprised if we kept him to be honest, doesnt seem to be getting a look in.

[Edmund]

I bet Kennedy is gutted that he didn't sign for Doncaster looking at the situation in hindsight.

The loan signing of Cunningham basically confirmed he was surplus to requirements.

[Miquel The Work Geordie]

Real shame, I suggested we signed Kennedy before we got him, sure Cardiff_Fox will testify that he's a more than adequate left back on his day, his crossing is impeccable as well. Considering Berner has looked worse than gash at times, how he's not had a proper look in is beyond me.

Hope he goes, rather than see a player actually bearing some talent go stale here.

[Kilworthfox]

Real shame, I suggested we signed Kennedy before we got him, sure Cardiff_Fox will testify that he's a more than adequate left back on his day, his crossing is impeccable as well. Considering Berner has looked worse than gash at times, how he's not had a proper look in is beyond me.

Hope he goes, rather than see a player actually bearing some talent go stale here.

I too can't unbderstand why this lad aint had more of a chance seeing as Berner has been very poor of late.

[ajthefox]

I'm disapointed for Kennedy, Pearson clearly saw something in him that Sven doesn't so he's come here and is getting nothing, shame really.

Would still like him to get given a chance but I doubt that will happen so hopefully he can get back to playing regular football in the lower leagues for someone else.