Ipswich Town defender Richard Keogh says what his boyhood club currently has is 'rare and special'.

The 36-year-old, who started out in Town's academy, returned to Suffolk last summer having racked up more than 450 appearances at Championship level with Coventry, Derby, Huddersfield and Blackpool.

He may have been limited to four starts and five substitute appearances in the Blues' promotion winning League One campaign, but has been consistently praised by staff and team-mates alike for his off-field leadership qualities.

"Seeing how many people are here is incredible," said Keogh, speaking to BBC Suffolk at Monday's promotion party at Christchurch Park.

"Obviously having been at the club when I was young to coming back and being part of this is pretty wild. These are fantastic memories that will live with me forever. 

“We all knew how difficult this division is and that it was never going to be easy. There were some tough moments, but our togetherness and our quality got us through it. There was definitely some relief when we got over the line, for sure."

The former Republic of Ireland international continued: “Great credit to the manager (Kieran McKenna) for understanding what creates a promotion winning group and bringing it all together. We all pushed each other. 

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“There’s been a real connection between not just us as players, but also between us and the supporters. Everyone has bought into us as a team. That’s really rare. When you get that at a club it’s really special. 

“To share this promotion together is lovely. Because it’s not just us on this journey, it’s everyone associated with Ipswich. We’re just glad we could give something back to our wonderful supporters."

It remains to be seen whether Keogh, who is soon to be out of contract, now looks to transition into coaching.

On his relationship with McKenna, he said: “I see how hard working he is. I felt that from the first time I met him.

"We're similar ages, we share very similar values and how we see football, so it’s been a really nice bond.

"I’ve loved working with him and like to think I’ve helped in some way."