Former Colchester United hero Mark Kinsella today issued a no-nonsense message to international team-mate Matt Holland: "The Premiership is the only place to be."

The Republic of Ireland midfielder was reacting to yesterday's news that Ipswich Town have accepted a £750,000 bid from Portsmouth for Holland.

The Blues skipper, currently away on international duty, is keeping tight-lipped about the situation and is yet to agree personal terms at Fratton Park.

But Kinsella, due to line up alongside Holland in Saturday's European Championship qualifier against Albania, told the Evening Gazette: "There's only one place to be and that's the Premiership.

"Every player wants to pit themselves against the very best and in Matt's case, for next season at least, that would mean leaving Ipswich."

Published Thursday, June 5, 2003

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