NEW recruit Mark Kennedy is one of Roy Keane’s biggest fans.

NEW recruit Mark Kennedy is one of Roy Keane’s biggest fans.

But the ex-Cardiff City left-back, who will make his Ipswich Town debut at Middlesbrough this afternoon, insists that his new boss is just a regular guy!

Town face a stern test on the opening day of their Championship campaign, with Kennedy set to have a busy afternoon at the Riverside. But he is looking forward to the challenge, both for today and the season as a whole.

“First and foremost, the opportunity to come and work under Roy (Keane) as the manager was of huge importance to me,” admitted Kennedy, who signed a two-year deal at the end of last month.

“Good opportunities become limited, at this stage of my career, so it’s good to have an opportunity as big as this, to work under Roy.

“But it’s also important to stress that it’s not just about working for Roy, but about coming to play for Ipswich.

“I’ve only been here a week, and I know everyone is absolutely fascinated by Roy Keane, but he’s an everyday guy like everybody else.

“He’s a winner, and a leader. He wants to be successful and that’s why he is here,” added Kennedy.

The 34-year-old Dubliner, who has played for the likes of Millwall, Liverpool, Manchester City and Wolves during a distinguished career, has high hopes for his new club this season.

But he recognises that the squad needs to be strengthened, especially in the light of the summer injuries to Damien Delaney (out for three months) and Connor Wickham (sidelined for six weeks).

“I can’t speak for the manager, but I’m sure he’ll be looking to bring in a couple of new faces that will add strength and depth to the squad,” admitted Kennedy.

“Middlesbrough away is a tough start. But if you want to get promoted you have to go to places like Middlesbrough and get a result.”

Kennedy could be one of three debutants for Town this afternoon. Keeper Marton Fulop, who completed his move from Sunderland on Thursday, will be hoping to dislodge Brian Murphy straight away.

And there is a chance that teenager Luke Hyam could make his senior debut in midfield, following a promising pre-season.

Meanwhile, Keane’s quest for a new striker might see him land Wigan Athletic target man Jason Scotland.

The Trinidad & Tobago international was prolific at Swansea, netting 45 goals in 90 league outings.

But the 31-year-old has struggled to make an impression in the top flight with the Latics, following his �2m switch last summer, scoring just once in 32 league appearances.