LIKE a tourist flicking through the holiday brochures, this is what caught Jason Kennedy’s eye.

When the midfielder swapped the comfort of a regular role with Rochdale for bigger horizons across the Pennines, it was occasions such as tomorrow that drew him in.

“These are the sort of games that you want to be involved with,” said Kennedy as he prepares for the first of City’s back-to-back TV dates against south Yorkshire.

“But this is a big club isn’t it? The (Capital One) cup run a couple of years ago built up the profile and it’s great to be involved and be part of it.

“There’s nothing better than coming up against teams like Barnsley and Sheffield United.

“I remember when we played Sheffield United at home last year and it was an unbelievable atmosphere. They are occasions that players really look forward to.

“It’s even better that they are both being shown on TV. Knowing that everyone is watching it at home adds a bit of pressure but you forget that when the game kicks off.

“There’s a big build-up before the start but once you get that first touch, everything goes out of your mind. You just concentrate on the game.

“Afterwards you remember that every little thing is being watched but it’s enjoyable.”

Kennedy still has plenty to savour as one of just two players in the squad to have started every game.

Rory McArdle may be the only one to have been on the field for every minute so far but nobody has enjoyed a bigger change in fortune than the 28-year-old, whose Valley Parade days appeared numbered after an underwhelming first year.

All that continues to elude him is a first goal for the club at home. Kennedy scored a late winner at MK Dons last season and then made sure of the August win at his old club Dale, refusing to celebrate out of respect for his former employers.

His wait to let it all out at Valley Parade goes on, although he did contribute to the Louis Thompson own goal for Swindon.

He added: “Doesn’t that count? I tried to claim it but I wasn’t that close.

“I didn’t get a touch but I slid in close enough to make sure he made a mistake. I was quite happy with that.

“I should get an assist for trying to put him under pressure and it was nice to hear the manager credited me afterwards.

“I feel as though I can get in the box and on the end of things. I possibly could have had a few more goals this season but as long as I keep getting in there, I know the opportunities will come.”

At least City can head for Oakwell with the spotlight lifted off their unconvincing home form.

While they have proved all-conquering on the road, last week’s win over basement dwellers Crewe was a timely boost for those who only get to games at Valley Parade.

Kennedy said: “With the amount of fans we get, we want to be dominant in home games and put on a performance.

“There’s no reason why we shouldn’t win more there. We’ve got to make Valley Parade the fortress it should be.

“As a team, we’re delighted with how strong our form has been away so far and want that to continue. If we can start doing the same at home then we can stay up there in the league.”