MARK Kennedy today predicted a big future in the game for late developer Andy Drury who made a superb full Ipswich Town debut in Saturday’s 1-1 home Championship draw with Hull City.

The 27-year-old managed to take the plaudits ahead of hot property Connor Wickham who is 10 years younger and had among others Liverpool director of football strategy Damien Comolli looking at him at the weekend.

“If Andy continues to play half as well as he did on Saturday he’s got a big future in the game,” said experienced 34-year-old defender Kennedy.

Still working on a building site three years ago and playing at no higher level then the Blue Square Premier before being signed for �150,000 from Luton Town last month, Drury played as though he had been in Championship company for years.

“You have to credit him for taking such a huge step-up in his stride,” added Kennedy.

“To jump one level is a big issue but to do several divisions - wow.

“Andy looked incredibly comfortable at a ground he had never played at before and with team mates he is still getting used to.

“I’m really pleased for him although I don’t want to give him too many superlatives as he is new to his current environment.

“I know from my own experiences that it can be difficulty to express yourself at a new club with a lot of tactical work going on at the training ground.

“The best place to make an impact is on the pitch, and he certainly did that on Saturday.”

Kennedy is looking for more quality players to come in and bolster Town’s squad with Jimmy Bullard, who was ineligible to play against his parent club at the weekend, also brought in during the transfer window.

“Every manager wants to manage his own team and the gaffer will be no different,” added Kennedy, who was one of the stars of Saturday’s game.

“He knows he’s got a very good nucleous here but as players we expect and want the manager, chief executive and chairman to present us with competition for places.

“I’d be very surprised if any player didn’t want to see Jimmy come in - we want more Jimmy Bullard’s and more Premier League level players.

“And of course we want David Norris, Gareth McAuley and Damien Delaney to stay, but their contracts are nearly up and it’s down to them whether they stay or decide to move on.”