IPSWICH Town boss Paul Jewell has revealed that versatile veteran Mark Kennedy has become a player-coach and is likely to retire in the summer.

The 35-year-old has struggled with injuries during his time at Portman Road and has not played since November.

“Mark’s got good potential to be a coach and has good knowledge of the game,” Jewell told the BBC.

“We have brought him to our side and hopefully in the summer he can do coaching full-time. He’s a player-coach as such and this gives him a head start.”

Kennedy joined Town from Cardiff in July 2010 and has gone on to feature 37 times for the Championship club.

Jewell says the former Republic of Ireland international is likely to call an end to a career that has taken in 466 league games, including spells at Liverpool, Manchester City and Wolves.

“I think that’s probably going to happen,” said Jewell.

“I don’t think player-coaches work. I actually think it’s an impossible situation for a player.

“We’re just giving him an insight into it with a view to making it permanent in the summer.

“Hopefully the younger players coming through he can help with his experience.”