IPSWICH Town’s Mark Kennedy insists he has put his injury worries behind him and will become a regular member of the side in 2011.

The 34-year-old Dublin born left winger turned full back missed the majority of games up to Christmas with a serious of niggling hamstring problems.

A back scan revealed no problems in that department, but when his troubles continued Kennedy saw a specialist in London and had an injection.

“It was not nice, but so far good,” said a player who hopes to feature in Town’s next Championship fixture against Coventry City at the Ricoh Arena on New Year’s Day (kick-off 3pm).

“It has been a bit embarrassing to be honest although I knew there was nothing I could do about it.

“I was feeling fine and then - bang; there would be another little tear.

“Fingers crossed we’ve got to the bottom of it now.

“When Ipswich needed all the help they could get I was unable to help.

“But now I hope that I can, and that 2010 will prove better than the back end of 2010.”

Although he acknowledges that he is close to the veteran stage, Kennedy says that as far as he is concerned age does not come into it, adding:

“If I didn’t think I could play 90 minutes of football I would not stay in the game.

“I’m not an impact player to bring on or play for short periods, and I want to play and for the full duration.

“There are no worries over my age, and I can’t see any reason I should not do that from now on.”

Kennedy revealed that his frustrations made him wish in some ways that he had a ‘real’ injury, and he has great sympathy for fellow countryman and pal Alan Quinn, who has been out all season after damaging a groin muscle in pre-season.

“Alan has been incredible strong,” said Kennedy. “He has had some personal battles away from football and we want to see him bubbly around the place.

“It’s been a very frustrating time for him as he keeps being knocked back and has to keep returning to the treatment table.

“He’s training outside again now so hopefully he’ll be back in action soon.”

With Brian Murphy out for three months with a broken ankle, Arran Lee-Barrett will be on the bench as cover for keeper Marton Fulop.