Ben Kennedy edging nearer to return, says Crusaders boss Stephen Baxter

Crusaders supervisor Stephen Baxter says Ben Kennedy is making regular progress as he recovers from a knee harm and is concentrating on a New Yr return.

he 25-year-old suffered the numerous harm whereas enjoying in opposition to Glentoran on the BetMcLean Oval again in August.

Shedding such a proficient, inventive and influential participant was an early season blow to the north Belfast facet however they’re remaining aggressive within the Premiership’s prime 4 and have simply celebrated a 3-0 Boxing Day win over Cliftonville.

Kennedy, who scored 15 targets and had 13 assists for the Shore Highway males final season, has needed to stay affected person throughout the rehabilitation course of.

Baxter is at all times cautious of knee accidents however he hopes the previous Stevenage ace can get again to producing some magic on the Seaview floor quickly.

“Ben is out working once more which is sweet,” stated the Crues boss. “The brief reply is I’m unsure when he might be again however wants an replace from the specialist earlier than he can actually begin becoming a member of in.

“However it might be definitely good to see him begin showing with us within the subsequent few weeks. It’s going to really feel like we’ve signed a brand new participant.

“He’s definitely not able to play but. He had an operation earlier than on the knee and it’s a must to let these accidents calm down earlier than you possibly can return.

“The excellent news is we didn’t must function this time however knees are a tough space of any footballers’ profession. It’s going to definitely be good to see him again.”

Baxter was delighted with how his facet snuffed out the attacking risk of the Reds at Seaview on Boxing Day.

“It was an actual massive efficiency from us in opposition to Cliftonville but it surely was solely three factors,” he added.

“These factors are very exhausting fought. I’ve been to see the Reds just a few occasions and when you allow them to move the ball they are going to lower you open with just a little little bit of high quality.

“They’re good at getting the ball to the frontmen to attain targets. They did that within the first half however Jonny Tuffey made an excellent save. It’s important to be alive to their hazard and shut them down at supply. We did that basically nicely, we squeezed their again three and we relentlessly received balls and put them below strain. We have been good at hurrying them and when the gamers do the roles requested of them then I’m more than happy.”

Baxter now believes the title run-in is finely poised with a number of contenders for the Gibson Cup.

“There’s an extended approach to go, Glentoran made early working, Larne have had a surge and Linfield are actually on a touch,” he added. “You may have glorious Coleraine, Crusaders and Cliftonville groups in there too. They’re all combating exhausting for wins and groups will take factors off one another.

“You simply should hold your head down. The fear for managers is the quantity of accidents they’ll choose up. Hopefully we received’t have too many injured our bodies round.”