The injury he sustained in that match however kept him out for a few months, and another knee injury last February kept him out for the rest of the season. You would have thought that such cruel blows after breaking through into the first team would have dented Kelly’s belief, but the local lad is made of sterner stuff than that. In his teens, he missed two years of Academy football because of a back injury, an injury that could have jeopardised his professional career, but he came through such setbacks with flying colours, demonstrating his willingness and determination to succeed.
He again proved himself to Roy Hodgson who picked him in Europa League ties, and due to Kenny’s work as Academy Ambassador, his knowledge of Kelly from the reserves led him to back the young defender as a first team starter. Some would have seen it as a gamble but Kenny’s faith in Kelly has been justified so far as he has played very well in three matches inside a week. His best display was certainly against Everton yesterday. Defensively, he had the positional awareness and strength to keep Everton at bay, but offensively, he was just as impressive, as he made a memorable forward run down the right hand side bursting past two Everton defenders with surprising speed before having his cross blocked.
Many see Kelly as a future Reds centre back, and with his height and tackling ability, there is every chance he will be very good in that position, but he has shown against Manchester United, Blackpool and Everton that he both has the pace, strength and ability to play right back, while also proving once again yesterday he has the character to play in big matches. Kenny’s faith in youth has certainly worked with Kelly so far, and long may it continue.
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Why not give a try to putting Johnson ahead on the midfield left to see the results? That would smarten up the left wing for breakaways I think.
Hes excellent. Prefer him to Johnson everyday!
But we have to admit that Kelly needs improving in defending balls in the air because he gets beaten often. The second goal showed that although he got an elbow in the face.
Totally agree, he was supberb yesterday. No reason why he shouldn’t hold on to his place for the games ahead. Although, I really don’t think Johnson should stay at left-back. Put him on the right wing Kenneth!
so kelly is good enough – WE KNEW THAT A YEAR AGO – HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR SUSO !
No doubt hes talented but we have soo many talented players in the academy. Suso like Stan has mentioned is an unbelievable player someone who even thugh is small has such a technical level of ability that he shud be able to play in the prem no problem!
Martin Kelly should be starting at right back from now on. His defending is much better than Johnson. Despite his height, Kelly is still quick and is equally competent going forward. We need a right back who can actually defend and for me, Kelly is the man, Johnson should be played further up field. Dalglish should not drop Kelly just because he has to accomadate Johnson.