Ipswich Town legend Jim Magilton has heaped praise on double-promotion winning boss Kieran McKenna, describing him as 'a genius'.

Magilton, who was part of the last Town side to reach the Premier League back in 2000, was speaking after the Blues returned to the top tier for the first time since then on Saturday.

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It was a good day for Magilton - he led Cliftonville to their first Irish Cup since 1979 with a 3-1 win over 44-time champions Linfield.

East Anglian Daily Times: Kieran McKenna celebrates promotion to the Premier League on SaturdayKieran McKenna celebrates promotion to the Premier League on Saturday (Image: Steve Waller)
Speaking after the game, Magilton - who also managed the Blues - was asked about Town's achievement.

He enthused: "McKenna is a genius, I love him to death. I love that football club to death – I spent ten glorious years there.

“To do what he’s done, back-to-back promotions, to get back into the Premier League, the place will have been bouncing.

“He deserves all the accolades, he’s a tremendous character and a tremendous person. I couldn’t be happier for him."

And Magilton joked: “But he can’t top me, no chance!”

East Anglian Daily Times: Jim Magilton was part of the last Town side to reach the Premier League in 2000Jim Magilton was part of the last Town side to reach the Premier League in 2000 (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)