Kennedy hopes to return before season's end

He is facing knee surgery after sustaining an injury in training.

However, despite fears on the club’s website that the Northern ireland U19 skipper would be forced to miss the remainder of the campaign, he told the STAR that he’s holding onto some hope that he can make it back before the summer.

It’s been a topsy-turvy campaign for Kennedy, who had been allowed a few weeks back in Lisburn to visit family in December after a physically and mentally draining break into senior football. He also had to undergo hip surgery last summer.

Having been tracked by English Premier League clubs, Stevenage know his potential and tied him down to a three year deal back in October.

Now, they’re understandably crushed by this latest news.

“This is yet another blow for the club and for Ben personally,” Stevenage chairman Phil Wallace told the club website.

“After returning from time away over Christmas, his appearance against Leyton Orient showed everyone what he is capable of and I have no doubt that he will bounce back better than ever.”

Kennedy, who turned 19 earlier this week, admitted on Facebook that football is a game “full of ups and downs” but was as determined as ever to reach the top, adding that “this won’t stop me getting to where I want.”

After missing out on promotion in the League Two play-offs last season, this term has been more of a struggle for Kennedy’s Stevenage side. Under the stewardship of Teddy Sheringham, they’re 19th in the table, having failed to win in their last five league outings.