{{short description|Northern Irish professional footballer (born 1994)}} {{about|the Scottish footballer|other people named Matthew Kennedy|Matthew Kennedy (disambiguation){{!}}Matthew Kennedy}} {{Use British English|date=October 2012}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}} {{Infobox football biography | name = Matty Kennedy | image = Matthew Kennedy.jpg | image_size = 200 | caption = Kennedy in December 2013 at Everton's training ground. | fullname = Matthew Kennedy<ref name="Barclays Premier League Squad Numbers 2013/14">{{Cite news|title=Barclays Premier League Squad Numbers 2013/14 |url=http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/news/news/2013-14/aug/premier-league-squad-numbers-seasons-2013-14.html |publisher=Premier League |date=16 August 2013 |access-date=17 August 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925003258/http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/news/news/2013-14/aug/premier-league-squad-numbers-seasons-2013-14.html |archive-date=25 September 2013 }}</ref> | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1994|11|01|df=y}}<ref name="squadi">{{cite web |title=FootballSquads - Port Vale - 2015/2016 |url=http://www.footballsquads.co.uk/eng/2015-2016/fltwo/portv.htm |website=footballsquads.co.uk |access-date=1 February 2021 |archive-date=5 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605234110/http://www.footballsquads.co.uk/eng/2015-2016/fltwo/portv.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> | birth_place = Belfast, Northern Ireland<ref name="born"/> | height = 1.75m<ref name="squadi"/> | position = Winger | currentclub = Kilmarnock | clubnumber = 10 | youthyears1 = 2009–2011 | youthclubs1 = Kilmarnock | years1 = 2011–2012 | clubs1 = Kilmarnock | caps1 = 14 | goals1 = 0 | years2 = 2012–2015 | clubs2 = Everton | caps2 = 0 | goals2 = 0 | years3 = 2014 | clubs3 = → Tranmere Rovers (loan) | caps3 = 8 | goals3 = 0 | years4 = 2014 | clubs4 = → Milton Keynes Dons (loan) | caps4 = 7 | goals4 = 1 | years5 = 2014–2015 | clubs5 = → Hibernian (loan) | caps5 = 16 | goals5 = 1 | years6 = 2015–2018 | clubs6 = Cardiff City | caps6 = 18 | goals6 = 0 | years7 = 2016 | clubs7 = → Port Vale (loan) | caps7 = 12 | goals7 = 0 | years8 = 2017 | clubs8 = → Plymouth Argyle (loan) | caps8 = 17 | goals8 = 5 | years9 = 2017–2018 | clubs9 = → Portsmouth (loan) | caps9 = 29 | goals9 = 3 | years10 = 2018–2020 | clubs10 = St Johnstone | caps10 = 54 | goals10 = 9 | years11 = 2020–2023 | clubs11 = Aberdeen | caps11 = 68 | goals11 = 3 | years12 = 2023– | clubs12 = Kilmarnock | caps12 = 54 | goals12 = 7 | nationalyears1 = 2009 | nationalteam1 = Scotland U15 | nationalcaps1 = 1 | nationalgoals1 = 0 | nationalyears2 = 2009–2010 | nationalteam2 = Scotland U16 | nationalcaps2 = 6 | nationalgoals2 = 3 | nationalyears3 = 2010–2012 | nationalteam3 = Scotland U17 | nationalcaps3 = 15 | nationalgoals3 = 5 | nationalyears4 = 2012 | nationalteam4 = Scotland U18 | nationalcaps4 = 2 | nationalgoals4 = 0 | nationalyears5 = 2012 | nationalteam5 = Scotland U19 | nationalcaps5 = 10 | nationalgoals5 = 1 | nationalyears6 = 2012 | nationalteam6 = Scotland U21 | nationalcaps6 = 1 | nationalgoals6 = 0 | nationalyears7 = 2020– | nationalteam7 = Northern Ireland | nationalcaps7 = 5 | nationalgoals7 = 0 | club-update = 12 May 2025 (UTC) | nationalteam-update = 08:05, 20 June 2024 (UTC) }} '''Matthew Kennedy''' (born 1 November 1994) is a professional footballer who plays as a winger for {{Scottish football updater|Kilmarno}} club Kilmarnock. Having represented Scotland at the youth international level, he has represented Northern Ireland at the senior international level.
Kennedy began his career at Kilmarnock and represented Scotland at all youth international levels. He was sold to Everton in August 2012. He was loaned out to Tranmere Rovers, Milton Keynes Dons, and Hibernian, before being sold on to Cardiff City in February 2015. Initially a first-team regular at Cardiff, he was dropped in the 2015–16 season and joined Port Vale on loan in January 2016, and then Plymouth Argyle on loan in January 2017; he helped Plymouth to achieve promotion out of EFL League Two at the end of the season. He joined Portsmouth on loan for the 2017–18 season.
Kennedy returned to Scottish football in July 2018, signing with St Johnstone. He moved to Aberdeen in January 2020, where he would remain for two and a half seasons before rejoining Kilmarnock in June 2023.
==Career== ===Kilmarnock=== Born in Belfast,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/who-is-matthew-kennedy-all-you-need-to-know-about-northern-irelands-debutant-in-uefa-nations-league-game-against-romania/38469908.html|title=Who is Matthew Kennedy? All you need to know about Northern Ireland's debutant in UEFA Nations League game against Romania|last=Hanna|first=Gareth|date=18 November 2020|via=www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk}}</ref> Kennedy had the opportunity to join the youth academies of Celtic and Rangers, but chose to join Kilmarnock as the club were closer to his home in South Ayrshire.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/kilmarnock-s-kennedy-eyes-unlikely-outing-1-2173871|title=Kilmarnock's Kennedy eyes unlikely outing|work=The Scotsman|date=15 March 2012|access-date=28 October 2018}}</ref> He felt Kilmarnock played a style of football that suited him.<ref name=starlet>{{cite news|last1=Phillips|first1=Terry|title=Who is Cardiff City starlet Matthew Kennedy? The story of the boyhood Glasgow Rangers fan who signed from Everton|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/who-cardiff-city-starlet-matthew-8680086|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Wales Online|date=20 February 2015}}</ref> On 19 November 2011, aged 17, Kennedy made his first-team debut as a substitute in a 1–1 draw with Hibernian at Easter Road.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/15704890 | title=Hibernian 1 – 1 Kilmarnock | publisher=BBC |work=BBC Sport | date=19 November 2011 | access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> He started his first game for "Killie" in a 2–1 win over St Mirren at Rugby Park on 2 January 2012.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kilmarnock 2 - 1 St Mirren|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16330995|access-date=26 January 2016|work=BBC Sport|date=2 January 2012}}</ref> He ended the 2011–12 campaign with 11 Scottish Premier League appearances. He played three games at the start of the 2012–13 season before leaving the club; manager Kenny Shiels expressed his concern that Kennedy had left Kilmarnock too soon and he had missed out on seeing Kennedy's "proper development" at the club.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kilmarnock boss concern over Matthew Kennedy's Everton switch|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19463785|access-date=26 January 2016|work=BBC Sport|date=3 September 2012}}</ref>
===Everton=== On 31 August 2012, the final day of the summer transfer window, Kennedy signed for English Premier League side Everton for a "nominal fee".<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19426773 | title=Everton: Matthew Kennedy secured from Kilmarnock |work=BBC Sport | date=30 August 2012 | access-date=31 August 2012}}</ref> The fee was later revealed to be £225,000.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Prentice|first1=David|title=Everton FC: Teenage winger Matthew Kennedy says he's 'living the dream' after signing for Blues|url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-fc-teenage-winger-matthew-3333987|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Liverpool Echo|date=4 September 2012}}</ref> In a later interview he stated that "I've got nothing but praise for their academy. I don't think you could have a better youth set up. My coaches were David Unsworth, Alan Stubbs and David Weir."<ref>{{cite news |last1=McKay |first1=Gabriel |title=Matty Kennedy reflects on Everton apprenticeship after Aberdeen move |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/matty-kennedy-recalls-harsh-everton-21662370 |access-date=5 April 2020 |work=dailyrecord |date=9 March 2020}}</ref>
On 9 January 2014, Kennedy signed on loan for League One side Tranmere Rovers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Everton Winger Joins Tranmere |url=http://www.tranmererovers.co.uk/news/article/kennedy-090114-1284458.aspx |work=Tranmere Rovers FC |date=9 January 2014}}</ref> Manager Ronnie Moore extended the loan spell for a further month after being impressed by his first six appearances at Prenton Park.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tranmere Extend Kennedy Loan |url=http://www.tranmererovers.co.uk/news/article/kennedy-100214-1351128.aspx |work=Tranmere Rovers FC |date=10 February 2014}}</ref> On 26 March 2014, Kennedy joined Milton Keynes Dons, also of League One, on a youth loan until the end of the 2013–14 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dons swoop for Everton starlet |url=http://www.mkdons.com/news/article/dons-swoop-for-everton-starlet-1447908.aspx |work=Milton Keynes Dons FC |date=26 March 2014}}</ref> Manager Karl Robinson stated that Kennedy would bring "pace, trickery and excitement" to Stadium mk.<ref>{{cite news|title=Everton's Matthew Kennedy joins MK Dons on loan|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/26757713|access-date=26 January 2016|work=BBC Sport|date=26 March 2014}}</ref> He scored his first goal in the English Football League for the "Dons" in a 2–2 draw at Rotherham United on 26 April.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rotherham 2 - 2 MK Dons|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/27084357|access-date=26 January 2016|work=BBC Sport|date=26 April 2014}}</ref>
On 8 August 2014, Kennedy joined Scottish Championship side Hibernian on a six-month loan deal after being signed by his former Everton under-21 manager Alan Stubbs.<ref>{{cite news|title=Winger Matthew Kennedy pens Hibernian loan deal|url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/teams/hibernian/winger-matthew-kennedy-pens-hibernian-loan-deal-1-3503926|access-date=26 January 2016|work=The Scotsman|date=8 August 2014}}</ref> He initially found himself on the bench at Easter Road. However, Stubbs was keen to extend the loan deal until the end of the 2014–15 season.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hibs look to extend winger Matthew Kennedy's loan stay at Easter Road beyond January |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/hibs-look-extend-winger-matthew-4562898#sKF7Ra7SqJhz8Tbg.97|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Daily Record|date=4 November 2014}}</ref> On 29 October, he scored his second senior goal to help secure a 3–3 draw with Dundee United in the Scottish League Cup quarter-finals, however, he missed his penalty in the resulting shoot-out.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hibernian 3 - 3 Dundee Utd|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/29718350|access-date=26 January 2016|work=BBC Sport|date=29 October 2014}}</ref> He said that he was "devastated" by his miss, which eliminated "Hibs" from the competition.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Forbes|first1=Craig|title=Matthew Kennedy wants to payback fans for pen miss |url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/teams/hibernian/matthew-kennedy-wants-to-payback-fans-for-pen-miss-1-3606001|access-date=26 January 2016|work=The Scotsman|date=15 November 2014}}</ref> He returned to Goodison Park on 5 January.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30685832 |title=Hibs' on-loan winger Matthew Kennedy returns to Everton |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |date=5 January 2015 |access-date=5 January 2015}}</ref>
===Cardiff City=== thumb|right|Kennedy playing for Cardiff City in 2015. On 2 February 2015, Kennedy signed for Championship side Cardiff City on a three-and-a-half-year contract for an undisclosed fee.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Scottish U21 international links up permanently from Everton |url=http://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/news/article/deadline-day-deal-kennedy-signs-2244873.aspx |work=Cardiff City FC |date=2 February 2015 |access-date=3 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923200555/http://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/news/article/deadline-day-deal-kennedy-signs-2244873.aspx |archive-date=23 September 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He made his full debut for the "Bluebirds" 15 days later in a 1–1 draw with Blackburn Rovers at Cardiff City Stadium, playing the full 90 minutes and producing a man of the match performance.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Phillips|first1=Tom|title=Snapshot|url=http://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/news/article/report-cardiff-1-1-blackburn-2277775.aspx|website=cardiffcityfc.co.uk|access-date=26 January 2016}}</ref> He settled in well at the club and was touted as one of manager Russell Slade's best signings for the club.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Tucker|first1=Steve|title=Cardiff City signings rated: How have Russell Slade's super seven performed since their January arrivals?|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/cardiff-city-signings-rated-how-8902341|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Wales Online|date=23 March 2015}}</ref> He made a total of 14 league appearances in the second half of the 2014–15 season.
Kennedy was described as a "forgotten man" after playing just one league game in the first half of the 2015–16 season.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Phillips|first1=Terry|title=Cardiff City's forgotten man Matthew Kennedy given chance to stake his claim for first team spot|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/cardiff-citys-forgotten-man-matthew-10003351|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Wales Online|date=7 September 2015}}</ref> On 25 January 2016, he joined League One side Port Vale on a one-month loan.<ref>{{cite news|title=Port Vale sign striker Robinson and Cardiff loan winger Kennedy|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35399530|access-date=26 January 2016|work=BBC Sport|date=25 January 2016}}</ref> He said that he was attracted to the "Valiants" by manager Rob Page, who Cardiff coaches told him was the best man to bring out his best qualities. He began his time at Vale Park in good form and was hopeful of extending his stay further than the initial month.<ref>{{cite news|title=Port Vale: Cardiff City winger Matthew Kennedy eyeing loan extension|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35588255|access-date=16 February 2016|work=BBC Sport|date=16 February 2016}}</ref> After late negotiations, Cardiff agreed to extend the loan until 26 April. However, he returned to Cardiff on 7 April after being demoted from the first XI to a place on the bench. Page said that "to go from under-21s football to playing week-in, week-out, two games a week at League One level caught up with him".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Southcombe|first1=Matthew|title=Cardiff City winger Matthew Kennedy returns early from Port Vale loan spell as first team opportunities dry up|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/cardiff-city-winger-matthew-kennedy-11153175|access-date=7 April 2016|work=Wales Online|date=7 April 2016}}</ref>
On 31 January 2017, he joined EFL League Two club Plymouth Argyle on loan until the end of the 2016–17 season.<ref>{{cite news|title=Matty Kennedy leaves Cardiff City for Plymouth Argyle loan|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11705/10751370/matty-kennedy-leaves-cardiff-city-for-plymouth-argyle-loan|access-date=1 February 2017|work=Sky Sports|date=31 January 2017}}</ref> Cardiff manager Neil Warnock predicted that Kennedy would "set the league alight" for the "Pilgrims", and his words were vindicated early on as Kennedy picked up two-man of the match awards as he scored in three consecutive games – including an "outstanding" goal in a victory over West Country derby rivals Exeter City at Home Park.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Booth|first1=Dominic|title=Matty Kennedy is sparkling for Plymouth as Warnock proves prophetic|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/plymouth-argyle-fans-loving-matty-12626422|access-date=3 April 2017|work=Wales Online|date=19 February 2017}}</ref> He went on to be nominated for the EFL League Two Player of the Month award for February. He scored five goals in 17 games to help Argyle to win promotion as runners-up of League Two.<ref name="Errington">{{cite news|last1=Errington|first1=Chris|title=Derek Adams aiming to make more history at promoted Argyle|url=http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/derek-adams-aiming-to-make-more-history-at-promoted-plymouth-argyle/story-30329125-detail/story.html|access-date=13 May 2017|work=Plymouth Herald|date=12 May 2017|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170514024752/http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/derek-adams-aiming-to-make-more-history-at-promoted-plymouth-argyle/story-30329125-detail/story.html|archive-date=14 May 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="2016/17"/>
On 31 August 2017, Kennedy joined Cardiff teammate Stuart O'Keefe on loan at League One side Portsmouth for the 2017–18 season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41118500 |title=Cardiff sign Craig Bryson and Liam Feeney on loan |work=BBC Sport |date=31 August 2017|access-date=1 September 2017}}</ref> He had impressed "Pompey" manager Kenny Jackett playing against the club in the EFL Cup earlier in the month.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Booth|first1=Dominic|title=Cardiff City winger Matty Kennedy joins Portsmouth on loan|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/cardiff-city-winger-matty-kennedy-13557672|access-date=1 September 2017|work=walesonline|date=31 August 2017}}</ref> He scored his first goal for the club in a 3–1 defeat at Northampton Town on 12 September.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41156400|title=Northampton 3-1 Portsmouth|publisher=BBC|date=12 September 2017 |access-date=13 September 2017}}</ref> After a good start to his time at Fratton Park he suffered a dip in form. He became a bit-part player, which assistant manager Joe Gallen blamed on Kennedy over-thinking his play.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rooney|first1=Will|title=Pompey winger told to get back to basics|url=https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/football/pompey/pompey-winger-told-to-get-back-to-basics-1-8400644|access-date=12 May 2018|work=Portsmouth News|date=3 March 2018|language=en}}</ref> At the end of the 2017–18 season, Cardiff released Kennedy upon the expiration of his contract on 30 June.<ref>{{Cite web | title = Cardiff City retained list: Who is staying and leaving | last = Booth | first = Dominic | work = Wales Online | date = 14 May 2018 | access-date = 1 July 2018 | url = https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/cardiff-city-retained-list-players-14780106 }}</ref>
===St Johnstone=== On 21 July 2018, Kennedy signed a two-year deal with Scottish Premiership club St Johnstone.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.perthstjohnstonefc.co.uk/news/post/winger-kennedy-joins-two-year-deal|title=Winger Kennedy joins on two-year-deal|publisher=St Johnstone F.C.|date=21 July 2018|access-date=21 July 2018}}</ref> Manager Tommy Wright said that it was a "real coup for us" to sign the winger.<ref>{{cite web |title=St Johnstone: Signing former Cardiff winger Matty Kennedy 'a coup' - Tommy Wright |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44911686 |access-date=22 July 2018 |website=BBC Sport |date=21 July 2018}}</ref> On 3 April 2019, he scored in a 2–0 win over Tayside derby rivals Dundee at McDiarmid Park.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Watt |first1=Martin |title=St Johnstone 2-0 Dundee: Callum Hendry & Matty Kennedy settle derby |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47715232 |access-date=20 May 2019 |website=BBC Sport |date=3 April 2019}}</ref> He ended the 2018–19 season with seven goals in 41 appearances as the "Saints" posted a seventh-place finish.
===Aberdeen=== Kennedy signed a pre-contract agreement with Aberdeen on 15 January 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51129910 |title=Matty Kennedy: St Johnstone midfielder signs Aberdeen pre-contract |website=BBC Sport |date=15 January 2020 |access-date=15 January 2020}}</ref> Nine days later he joined Aberdeen on a three-and-a-half-year deal.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51243146 |title=Matty Kennedy: St Johnstone winger joins Aberdeen after clubs agree early switch |first=Tyrone |last=Smith |website=BBC Sport |date=24 January 2020 |access-date=24 January 2020}}</ref> The "Dons" were reported to have paid a transfer fee of £75,000 plus add-ons.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wallace |first1=Sean |title=Matty Kennedy 'can handle pressure' of helping to end Aberdeen's goal drought |url=https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/fp/sport/football/aberdeen-fc/donsnews/042ex2801eea_story__8/ |access-date=29 January 2020 |work=Evening Express |date=28 January 2020}}</ref> Manager Derek McInnes had been reported to have been tracking Kennedy for the previous nine years.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Davie |first1=Scott |title=Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes waited nine years to land Matty Kennedy |url=https://www.scotsman.com/sport/aberdeen-boss-derek-mcinnes-waited-nine-years-land-matty-kennedy-1397047 |access-date=27 May 2022 |work=The Scotsman |date=16 January 2020 |language=en}}</ref> By the time the 2019–20 season was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland, Kennedy had six goals (all for St Johnstone) and eight assists and said he was starting to show his best form.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Owen |first1=Danny |title=6 goals, 8 assists; In-form attacker thanks Everton for unearthing his potential |url=https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/03/10/6-goals-8-assists-in-form-attacker-thanks-everton-for-unearthing/ |access-date=5 April 2020 |work=HITC |date=10 March 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Panton |first1=Malcolm |title=Matty Kennedy Feature |url=https://www.afc.co.uk/2020/03/09/matty-kennedy-feature/ |access-date=5 April 2020 |work=Aberdeen FC |date=9 March 2020}}</ref>
In August 2020, he was one of eight Aberdeen players who received a suspended three-match ban from the Scottish Football Association (SFA) after they breached coronavirus-related restrictions by visiting a bar earlier in the month.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53951005|title=Celtic's Boli Bolingoli gets three-game ban; 'Aberdeen eight' receive three-match suspended ban|date=28 August 2020|publisher=BBC}}</ref> He made a total of 35 appearances throughout the 2020–21 season, helping Aberdeen to post a fourth-place finish in the league.<ref name="2020–21"/> He scored just one goal, a consolation in a 2–1 defeat to Rangers at Pittodrie.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Southwick |first1=Andrew |title=Morelos earns Rangers win at Aberdeen |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55519363 |access-date=20 May 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=10 January 2021}}</ref>
In August 2021, he was linked with a loan move to St Mirren – manager Jim Goodwin was reported to be a keen admirer of his – after falling out of favour under new manager Stephen Glass.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ramage |first1=Ben |title=St Mirren linked with loan move for Aberdeen winger Matty Kennedy |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/in-your-area/renfrewshire/st-mirren-linked-loan-move-24725440 |access-date=27 May 2022 |work=Daily Record |date=10 August 2021 |language=en}}</ref> A spinal problem (diagnosed as stress fractures) caused him to miss the first half of the 2021–22 season. He made his first appearance at the end of January 2022.<ref>{{cite web |author=Alan Pattullo | title=Matty Kennedy opens up on his Aberdeen injury hell |url=https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/kennedy-opens-up-on-his-aberdeen-injury-hell-3560234 |access-date=27 February 2022|work=BBC Sport |date=9 February 2022}}</ref> He made a further eight appearances before the season's end, though Goodwin – now manager of Aberdeen – did not want to rush him back too soon.<ref name="2021–22"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Wallace |first1=Sean |title=Aberdeen boss Jim Goodwin confident fans will see the best of Matty Kennedy - but will not rush him back from injury |url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/sport/football/aberdeen-fc/4177505/aberdeen-boss-jim-goodwin-confident-fans-will-see-the-best-of-matty-kennedy-but-will-not-rush-him-back-from-injury/ |access-date=27 May 2022 |work=Press and Journal |date=17 April 2022}}</ref>
He cited a hope to have a "fresh start" in summer 2022, and Goodwin stated that he could be a "big player" for the club.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Crighton |first1=Chris |title=Aberdeen fan view: Matty Kennedy embracing a fresh start under Jim Goodwin |url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/sport/football/aberdeen-fc/4538521/aberdeen-fan-view-matty-kennedy-fresh-start-jim-goodwin/ |access-date=12 May 2023 |work=Press and Journal}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Wallace |first1=Sean |title=Aberdeen boss Jim Goodwin backs fit-again winger Matty Kennedy to be a 'big player' this season |url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/sport/football/aberdeen-fc/4587904/aberdeen-boss-jim-goodwin-backs-fit-again-winger-matty-kennedy-to-be-a-big-player-this-season/ |access-date=12 May 2023 |work=Press and Journal}}</ref> In January 2023, Kennedy said he had "a bit of unfinished business" with the club and aimed to earn a new contract.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Third |first1=Paul |title=Matty Kennedy aiming to earn new deal with Aberdeen |url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/sport/football/aberdeen-fc/5238628/matty-kennedy-aiming-to-earn-new-deal-with-aberdeen/ |access-date=12 May 2023 |work=Press and Journal |date=5 January 2023}}</ref> The following month he backed interim manager Barry Robson to be given the job permanently.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McConnell |first1=Alison |title=Matty Kennedy backs Barry Robson to take Aberdeen reins full-time |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/scotland/article/matty-kennedy-backs-barry-robson-to-take-aberdeen-reins-full-time-5wzk0v82t |access-date=12 May 2023 |work=The Times |date=18 February 2023 |language=en}}</ref> Despite this, he barely featured under Robson in the second half of the 2022–23 campaign.<ref name="2022–23"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Durham |first1=Thomas |title=Dons winger Matty Kennedy appears to hint at Pittodrie departure |url=https://www.aberdeenlive.news/sport/football/dons-winger-matty-kennedy-appears-8469839 |access-date=31 May 2023 |work=aberdeenlive |date=25 May 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
===Return to Kilmarnock=== On 21 June 2023, Kennedy agreed a three-year contract with former club Kilmarnock.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kennedy return completes trio of Killie arrivals |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65980757 |access-date=6 July 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=21 June 2023}}</ref> On 10 December, he scored a late winner to inflict a first league defeat of the 2023–24 season on Celtic.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lindsay |first1=Clive |title=Kilmarnock comeback ends Celtic's unbeaten start |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67603857 |access-date=10 December 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=10 December 2023}}</ref> Speaking in February, manager Derek McInnes commented that "his performances have been really good of late".<ref>{{cite news |title=McInnes impressed with Kennedy form but still looking for more |url=https://news.stv.tv/sport/derek-mcinnes-impressed-with-matty-kennedy-form-but-still-looking-for-more |access-date=14 May 2024 |work=STV News |date=25 February 2024}}</ref> His absence due to injury was cited by pundit Billy Dodds as the major factor in the club's quarter-final exit from the Scottish Cup.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kilmarnock: How big a loss was Matty Kennedy? |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articles/ck5w862kykwo |access-date=14 May 2024 |work=BBC Sport |date=10 March 2024}}</ref> He enjoyed an excellent start to the 2024–25 campaign.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Meikle |first1=Blair |title=5 best Premiership wingers so far including Kilmarnock's Matty Kennedy |url=https://www.nottheoldfirm.com/news/5-best-premiership-wingers-so-far-including-kilmarnocks-matty-kennedy/ |access-date=15 May 2025 |work=Not The Old Firm |date=15 October 2024}}</ref> He said there was "nothing fancy" behind his good form aside from relaxing in his downtime away from football.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kilmarnock: 'Nothing fancy' behind Matty Kennedy's goal-scoring form |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articles/czr7xj84nvxo |access-date=15 May 2025 |work=BBC Sport |date=22 November 2024}}</ref> However, he suffered a lengthy injury lay-off due to a back problem that left him sidelined for over three months.<ref>{{cite news |title='We should be higher' - fit-again Matty Kennedy eyes late Kilmarnock surge |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articles/c8x49l5jl5po |access-date=15 May 2025 |work=BBC Sport |date=14 March 2025}}</ref>
He missed the start of the 2025–26 season after undergoing surgery to fix his hip injury issue.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Carson |first1=Callum |title=Kilmarnock winger set to miss start of season after 'successful' operation |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/ayrshire/kilmarnock-winger-set-miss-start-35491559 |access-date=3 January 2026 |work=Daily Record |date=3 July 2025 |language=en}}</ref> Manager Stuart Kettlewell confirmed that Kennedy would be in recovery for an "extended period".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Idessane |first1=Kheredine |title=Matty Kennedy: Kilmarnock winger faces months out after surgery |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articles/czjkm491wrvo |access-date=3 January 2026 |work=BBC Sport |date=2 July 2025}}</ref> He did not feature at all in the campaign.<ref name="2025/26"/>
==International career== ===Scotland youth=== Kennedy has represented Scotland at under-15, under-16, under-17 and under-19 level.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/football_player_profile.cfm?page=823&playerID=69310&squadID=13 | title=Matthew Kennedy SFA Profile | publisher=Scottish Football Association | access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> He was selected by under-21 interim coach Ricky Sbragia to play Portugal under-21 at Estádio do Bonfim, Setúbal on 14 November 2012; he came on for Callum Paterson 66 minutes into a 3–2 defeat, in what was his only under-21 cap.<ref>{{cite web|title=International Challenge Match|url=http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/international_fixture_details.cfm?page=2855&matchID=123865|website=scottishfa.co.uk|access-date=26 January 2016}}</ref>
===Northern Ireland=== In September 2019, it was reported that Kennedy was due to switch his international allegiance to the country of his birth, Northern Ireland. He was pictured training with the senior Northern Ireland squad ahead of a friendly with Luxembourg.<ref name="born">{{cite news |last1=Hanna |first1=Gareth |title=Who is Matty Kennedy? All you need to know about Scotland U21 international switching to Northern Ireland |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/who-is-matty-kennedy-all-you-need-to-know-about-scotland-u21-international-switching-to-northern-ireland-38469908.html |access-date=6 September 2019 |work=Belfast Telegraph |date=5 September 2019}}</ref> He was called up to the Northern Ireland senior squad on 3 October.<ref>{{cite news |title=Euro 2020 qualifiers: Jamal Lewis named in NI squad as Matthew Kennedy gets first call-up |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49923659 |access-date=3 October 2019 |work=BBC Sport |date=3 October 2019}}</ref> He made his debut for Northern Ireland on 18 November 2020, in a 1–1 draw with Romania in the UEFA Nations League.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sterling |first1=Mark |title=Winless Northern Ireland held by Romania |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54898190 |access-date=18 November 2020 |work=BBC Sport |date=18 November 2020}}</ref> He was recalled to the squad in March 2022 and again twelve months later.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Durent |first1=Jamie |title=Aberdeen winger Matty Kennedy earns recall to Northern Ireland squad |url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/sport/football/aberdeen-fc/4052384/aberdeen-fc-matty-kennedy-northern-ireland/ |access-date=27 May 2022 |work=Press and Journal |date=14 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Britton |first1=Ruaraidh |title=Aberdeen's Matty Kennedy called up by Northern Ireland for Euro 2024 qualifiers |url=https://www.aberdeenlive.news/sport/football/aberdeens-matty-kennedy-called-up-8222938 |access-date=12 May 2023 |work=aberdeenlive |date=7 March 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
==Style of play== Able to play on either wing, Kennedy was described by Tranmere Rovers manager Ronnie Moore as "quick, [he] likes to take on defenders and [is someone] will create chances for his team-mates".<ref>{{cite news|title=Transfer window: Everton winger Matthew Kennedy joins Tranmere|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/25674173|access-date=26 January 2016|work=BBC Sport|date=9 January 2014}}</ref>
==Career statistics== ===Club statistics=== {{updated|match played 12 April 2025}} {| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;" |+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition |- !rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes Scottish Cup, FA Cup}} !colspan="2"|League cup{{efn|Includes Scottish League Cup, Football League Cup}} !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total |- !Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals |- |rowspan="3"|Kilmarnock |2011–12<ref name="2011/12">{{Soccerbase season|id=58113|season=2011|accessdate=1 January 2015}}</ref> |Scottish Premier League |11||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||11||0 |- |2012–13<ref name="2012/13">{{Soccerbase season|id=58113|season=2012|accessdate=1 January 2015}}</ref> |Scottish Premier League |3||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||3||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !14!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!14!!0 |- |rowspan="4"|Everton |2012–13<ref name="2012/13"/> |Premier League |0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||0||0 |- |2013–14<ref name="2013/14">{{Soccerbase season|id=58113|season=2013|accessdate=1 January 2015}}</ref> |Premier League |0||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||0||0 |- |2014–15<ref name="2014/15">{{Soccerbase season|id=58113|season=2014|accessdate=1 January 2015}}</ref> |Premier League |0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0 |- |Tranmere Rovers (loan) |2013–14<ref name="2013/14"/> |League One |8||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||8||0 |- |MK Dons (loan) |2013–14<ref name="2013/14"/> |League One |7||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||7||1 |- |Hibernian (loan) |2014–15<ref name="2014/15"/> |Scottish Championship |13||0||1||0||2||1||0||0||16||1 |- |rowspan="5"|Cardiff City |2014–15<ref name="2014/15"/> |Championship |14||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||14||0 |- |2015–16<ref name="2015/16">{{Soccerbase season|id=58113|season=2015|accessdate=1 January 2015}}</ref> |Championship |1||0||1||0||0||0||0||0||2||0 |- |2016–17<ref name="2016/17">{{Soccerbase season|id=58113|season=2016|accessdate=1 January 2015}}</ref> |Championship |2||0||0||0||1||0||0||0||3||0 |- |2017–18<ref name="2017/18">{{Soccerbase season|id=58113|season=2017|accessdate=1 January 2015}}</ref> |Championship |1||0||0||0||2||0||0||0||3||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !18!!0!!1!!0!!3!!0!!0!!0!!22!!0 |- |Port Vale (loan) |2015–16<ref name="2015/16"/> |League One |12||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||12||0 |- |Plymouth Argyle (loan) |2016–17<ref name="2016/17"/> |League Two |17||5||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||17||5 |- |Portsmouth (loan) |2017–18<ref name="2017/18"/> |League One |29||3||1||0||colspan="2"|—||3{{efn|name=flt|Appearance(s) in the EFL Trophy.}}||0||33||3 |- |rowspan="3"|St Johnstone |2018–19<ref name="2018/19">{{Soccerbase season|id=58113|season=2018|accessdate=1 January 2015}}</ref> |Scottish Premiership |36||6||2||0||3||1||colspan="2"|—||41||7 |- |2019–20<ref name="2019/20">{{Soccerbase season|id=58113|season=2019|accessdate=1 January 2015}}</ref> |Scottish Premiership |18||3||0||0||3||2||colspan="2"|—||21||5 |- !colspan="2"|Total !54!!9!!2!!0!!6!!3!!0!!0!!62!!12 |- |rowspan=5|Aberdeen |2019–20<ref name="2019/20"/> |Scottish Premiership |8||0||4||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||12||1 |- |2020–21<ref name="2020–21">{{soccerbase season|58113|2020|accessdate=1 August 2020}}</ref> |Scottish Premiership |31||1||2||0||1||0||1{{efn|name=UEL|Appearances in the UEFA Europa League}}||0||35||1 |- |2021–22<ref name="2021–22">{{soccerbase season|58113|2021|accessdate=1 August 2020}}</ref> |Scottish Premiership |8||0||1||0||0||0||0||0||9||0 |- |2022–23<ref name="2022–23">{{soccerbase season|58113|2022|accessdate=1 August 2020}}</ref> |Scottish Premiership |21||2||1||0||7||2||colspan="2"|—||29||4 |- !colspan=2|Total !68!!3!!8!!1!!7!!2!!1!!0!!84!!6 |- |rowspan=4|Kilmarnock |2023–24<ref name="2023/24">{{Soccerbase season|id=58113|season=2023|accessdate=1 January 2015}}</ref> |Scottish Premiership |34||3||2||0||6||0||colspan="2"|—||42||3 |- |2024–25<ref name="2024/25">{{Soccerbase season|id=58113|season=2024|accessdate=1 January 2015}}</ref> |Scottish Premiership |19||4||0||0||1||0||6{{efn|2 appearances in the UEFA Europa League and 4 appearances in the UEFA Conference League}}||0||26||4 |- |2025–26<ref name="2025/26">{{Soccerbase season|58113|2025|1 July 2025}}</ref> |Scottish Premiership |0||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||0||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !53!!7!!2!!0!!7!!0!!6!!0!!68!!7 |- !colspan="3"|Career total !293!!28!!15!!1!!25!!6!!10!!0!!343!!35 |} {{notelist}}
===International statistics=== {{updated|match played 10 September 2023}} {| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center" |+ Appearances and goals by national team and year |- !National team||Year||Apps||Goals |- |rowspan="3"|Northern Ireland |2020||1||0 |- |2021||2||0 |- |2023||2||0 |- !colspan=2|Total<ref>{{Soccerway|matthew-kennedy/154189|Matty Kennedy}}</ref>||5||0 |}
==Honours== '''Plymouth Argyle''' *EFL League Two second-place promotion: 2016–17<ref name="Errington"/>
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== *{{Soccerbase}} *{{Soccerway|matthew-kennedy/154189|Matty Kennedy}} *{{UEFA player|250022733|Matty Kennedy}} *{{Twitter}}
{{Kilmarnock F.C. squad}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kennedy, Matty}} Category:1994 births Category:Living people Category:Association footballers from Belfast Category:Men's association footballers from Northern Ireland Category:21st-century sportsmen from Northern Ireland Category:Footballers from South Ayrshire Category:People from Northern Ireland of Scottish descent Category:Northern Ireland men's international footballers Category:Scottish men's footballers Category:Scotland men's youth international footballers Category:Scotland men's under-21 international footballers Category:Men's association football wingers Category:Kilmarnock F.C. players Category:Everton F.C. players Category:Tranmere Rovers F.C. players Category:Milton Keynes Dons F.C. players Category:Hibernian F.C. players Category:Cardiff City F.C. players Category:Port Vale F.C. players Category:Plymouth Argyle F.C. players Category:Portsmouth F.C. players Category:St Johnstone F.C. players Category:Aberdeen F.C. players Category:Scottish Premier League players Category:English Football League players Category:Scottish Professional Football League players Category:21st-century Scottish sportsmen