Crusaders boss Stephen Baxter believes midfielder Ben Kennedy could light up the Irish Premiership this season.
The 24-year-old struggled to hold down a first team shirt after arriving from Stevenage last year but Baxter has seen enough to suggest he will be a massive asset.
Even though the Crues lost to Linfield at the weekend, Kennedy took on another starring role and his manager is hoping for something similar tonight against Portadown.
“He is a quality footballer, to that there is no doubt,” said Baxter.
“When lads come back from England, it does take them the best part of a year to become accustomed to our game – and to adjust to life in general.”
Crusaders kicked off the new season against champions Linfield on Saturday, going down to a 2-0 defeat.
They return to action on Tuesday against Portadown at Seaview.
The Ports earned a 1-1 draw in last Friday night's Mid Ulster derby with Glenavon, with both goals coming in injury time.
Finnegan gave Portadown the lead in the 91st minute but Michael O'Connor found an equaliser in the 94th minute.
Recent meetings
- March 30, 2021: Portadown 1-2 Crusaders
- January 26, 2021: Portadown 2-2 Crusaders
- December 12, 2020: Crusaders 5-0 Portadown
Betting
- Crusaders 1/3
- Portadown 6/1
- Draw 13/5
Odds from McLean Bookmakers
