MARK Kennedy today predicted that Portman Road is the place to be for any young player looking for success.

The 34-year-old Republic of Ireland international, who has played for six permanent clubs and been subject to moves worth over �6 million, will be at left back when Ipswich Town entertain Portsmouth in the Championship tomorrow (kick-off 3pm).

He arrived in Suffolk for �75,000 from Cardiff City in the summer and has nothing but praise for a club that has been in the doldrums for most of the last decade.

“I’ve been vastly impressed with everything at Ipswich,” he said.

“I had a chat with Celtic loanee Darren O’Dea who is one of my best mates at the club.

“He has a year and a bit left on his contract with Celtic and it’s not my business what he does.

“But if he is thinking of moving from that amazing Scottish club Ipswich will will present him with an unbelievable opportunity.

“He mustn’t let it pass him by.

“My opinion is that this is a huge club with tremendous potential.

“With the gaffer and his coaches Chris Hutchings and Sean McCarthy and the players they have already got here there is so much going for it.

“I won’t be here in five years time, but Darren might and I advise him not to miss out.

“His career is at the crossroads at 23, but he has his whole career ahead of him. He might nail a place in the Celtic team, but on the other hand he could join in what I believe will be exciting times ahead for Ipswich Town.”

Kennedy, who was signed by previous manager Roy Keane and still stands by his former boss, stresses that Jewell needs a great deal of praise for what he’s achieved so far at Portman Road.

“There is no doubt there’s been a huge improvement in all aspects - 100%.

“Defensively and going forward have both shown a big improvement.

“The manager came to a big club and not one that was falling apart with a poor squad and poor players.

“He will be grateful for that and the gaffer and his two assistants offer a great partnership and the prospect of a great future ahead – although there is a long way to go and we should not get carried away.”