perfromance haven’t been great for St Johnstone recenty, but if there is one positive, it’s the performances of makeshift striker Matthew Kennedy.
Usually played as a winger, Kennedy has deputised up front, with Tony Watt dropping to the bench, following a poor run of form.
The makeshift forward was terrific against the Govan outfit last Sunday. His tireless runs and impressive footwork troubled the Rangers backline for the duration of the ninety minutes.
Now Kennedy is hoping that he will able to stay up top, and convince manager Tommy Wright, that he is the man to lead the St Johnstone forward line.
I’ve only played striker a few times, maybe eight games now. Before coming to St Johnstone I’d never played there at all. I was up on my own against Rangers and that was also new, I’d never played as a loan striker either. The gaffer just said to me, ‘Go up there, we’ll try to get you the ball and see what you can do’, Kennedy told BT Sport.
“If the gaffer wants to play my left-back, I don’t mind. I just want to be in the team. But the way I’ve been playing up front recently, I think this is now where I want to play,” he added.
Kennedy is vital to this St Johnstone side
The former Cardiff City winger had never played as a striker, prior to St Johnstone’s trip to Motherwell in October. Since that performance he has hit form in his new position, netting over a goal every other game since October.
The game against Rangers was a new challenge though. He was asked to lead the line himself, without the safety net of strike partner Watt. Even without the former Celtic youngster alongside him, Kennedy did remarkably well.
The forward is vital to this St Johnstone side. His attacking drives get fans excited, and now that he has added end product to his game, Kennedy can fully fulfil his potential.
He only arrived in the summer, but St Johnstone may need to brace themselves for interest in their in-form forward.