JIMMY Bullard today predicted a Premier League future for Ipswich Town – and also for his parent club Hull City.

The 32-year-old on loan midfielder will be in the Town side for their Championship game against fellow mid-table outfit Portsmouth at Portman Road today (kick-off 3pm).

He has not written off helping lift Ipswich into a play-off spot by the time his loan ends in May, and has been impressed with everything he has seen since his arrival last month.

Bullard said: “Both Ipswich and Hull are big clubs that belong in the Premier League, with their fantastic support bases.

“And I feel for both clubs. I want Hull to do well as I do Ipswich obviously.

“This is a fantastic club and I’m so glad I came here with wonderful facilities.

“Hull have moved up divisions so quickly over the last four or five years, so they struggled to keep up with things like the training ground. But they have a great stadium.”

Bullard’s arrival coincided with Ipswich’s best run of results for almost two years, but he deflects suggestions that he has had a major part to play.

“It’s nothing to do with me and my chatting,” he explained.

“But I think a new face about the place always helps,

“And it’s always good to play with a smile on your face. If you enjoy what you are doing, you do better at it.

“There are lots of points still to play for, and you never know. It comes down to a lot of nerves at the end, with the teams above us.

“If we can put together another couple of runs, and stick in, then you never know and you can have a chance.”

Bullard netted in his opening Town game – a win at Derby County – and he has also already netted against Portsmouth this season.

“It was a penalty and they are a big physical team with some good players. Every week in the Championship you are playing tough games.”

Bullard says that he is getting back to full fitness after a number of injuries since joining Hull.

He went on: “I’m getting back to full fitness. I think 12 games has been my longest run in the last three years.

“My legs feel good but it takes time for your lungs to get back into it.

“Tuesday night was a bit of a reality check losing at QPR, but we were confident going into the game and I think we totally outplayed them in the first half.

“After the interval they kept pumping balls into our box.”