Stevenage’s goalscoring hero Ben Kennedy has praised his team-mates for a ‘brilliant’ performance as Boro knocked Ipswich Town out of the EFL Cup on Tuesday evening.

The 19-year-old missed out on the trip to Portman Road at the same stage of the same competition last year through injury, a match that Ipswich won 2-1, but more than made up for that missed opportunity with the winning goal in last night’s clash.

The Northern Ireland forward struck early in the second period after Charlie Lee’s initial shot was saved by Town goalkeeper Dean Gerken, and afterwards Kennedy said he’d like to face an away trip to a Premier League side when the draw for the second round of the competition is made at 10pm this evening (Wednesday).

“It was a great team performance and every man was brilliant,” Kennedy said afterwards.

“I was gutted not to play on Saturday [when Boro lost 2-1 to Crewe in the league] but that’s football. It just shows just what sort of squad we have and everyone sticks together.

“Charlie [had the] shot and I just anticipated it. The keeper blocked it and I was in there and it just landed to me.”

Asked who he wants next, Kennedy added: “Anyone in the Premier League. Away. Anyone will do. I just want to get myself on the big stage.

“I’m young and still learning off the likes of Ronnie [Henry] and Jobi [McAnuff]. I’m going to have bad games because I’m young and inexperienced. Last year I didn’t enjoy myself much so I’m trying to get my enjoyment back.”