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JASON Kennedy may have already played on the European stage with Middlesbrough, but the midfielder last night revealed his involvement in the play-offs with Darlington ranks just as high.

Kennedy's wonder strike against Rochdale means Quakers take a 2-1 advantage into the second leg at Spotland on Saturday.

And the 21-year-old is hoping to make the most of his loan move from Middlesbrough by helping Quakers clinch their place at Wembley on May 26.

The Roseworth-born midfielder has spent the majority of his professional career away from the Riverside Stadium in loan spells.

However, three of his seven Middlesbrough first-team appearances have been in the UEFA Cup.

His last appearance in Europe was as a second half substitute at Stuttgart in 2006 when the Teessiders eventually went on to reach the UEFA Cup final.

But despite his involvement on the European stage, Kennedy is just as proud to be involved in the League Two play-offs with Darlington.

He said: "I've played in Europe for Boro but playing for Darlo in the play-offs is a great experience and right up there with anything I've done, no doubt about it.

"The lads grafted for 90 minutes and put 100 per cent into that performance. It's the first step towards hopefully playing at Wembley."

Kennedy's stunning strike was worthy of any contest and the Teessider admitted, of the six goals he has scored in his professional career, that was the best.

"I haven't scored many goals in my career but that has to rank as the best of the lot," said Kennedy.

"It's something we've been working on in training all week, getting the midfielders up to support the front men as soon as possible.

I suppose practice makes perfect.

"As soon as I made the run inside they were overrun.

"I had a bit of space so I thought I'd hit it and luckily it went in."

Kennedy is out of contract at the end of the season and Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate has yet to make a decision on his future.

And if he is deemed surplus to requirements at the Riverside S t a d i u m , then Quakers boss Dave Penney may consider a p e r m a n e n t move for Kennedy.

"I'm not sure whether they are going to offer him anything," said Penney.

"I'm not sure of their plans, but we'll find out what level we are playing in next season, then make decisions as to who we want."

With Tommy Wright ruled out after suffering a knee injury against Dale, Penney could turn to Pawel Abbott, despite the striker not being fully fit.

Wright won't feature again this season after a scan yesterday.

Record buy Abbott is training following a hamstring injury and with no other first-team striker available, Penney could turn to Darlington's club record signing this weekend at Spotland.

Micky Cummins is another option, although Penney will not be considering 15-year-old Curtis Main for such a high profile game.

Meanwhile, it was announced yesterday that Richard Beeby will officiate Saturday's second leg.

The Northamptonshire official has not taken charge of a Darlington game this season. The last Quakers game he did referee was last season's 3-0 defeat at home to derby rivals Hartlepool United.

10:51am Wednesday 14th May 2008

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