BEGAN his Boro career as a striker but has now found his niche as a goalscoring midfielder.

After impressing for the U17s and U19s, he was called up to the first team squad for the UEFA Cup game against Lazio at the Riverside in 2005 and the Carling Cup tie at Liverpool, although he did not make the bench for either game.

Jason was Boro's joint top scorer in their victorious FA Youth Cup campaign in 2004, scoring four goals in the eight games, including the all-important winning goal in the 1-0 home leg victory over Aston Villa in the final, when he latched onto David Wheater's flick-on and kept his cool to delicately chip the goalkeeper.

Born in Roseworth, Stockton, Jason has been with the club since he was 12.

His potential was recognised by boss Steve McClaren when he was handed a two-year professional contract in 2005 and he was named on the bench for the Barclays Premiership game against Arsenal in April.

His Premiership debut came against Fulham at the Riverside in April 2005 when he replaced Colin Cooper with 86 minutes played.

In an eerie twist, Cooper repaid the compliment when he made his last ever Premiership appearance in May 2006, replacing Kennedy in the 85th-minute of a 1-0 defeat to the same side at Craven Cottage in May 2006.

Enjoyed successful loan spells at both Bury and Boston but failed to break into Gareth Southgate first team.

Jason spent much of the 2007/08 season on loan at Scottish League One side Livingston, under the guidance of former Boro youth coach Mark Proctor. 

Once he returned to Teesside he was loaned out to Coca-Cola League Two promotion challengers Darlington.