[size=10pt]Liverpool FC starlet could replace England international, hints Dalglish[/size]
by Richard Buxton. Published Mon 17 Jan 2011 17:18
Martin Kelly's recent displays could see him displace Glen Johnson as Liverpool's first-choice right-back.
The Whiston-born youngster stepped into the void left by Johnson as the imminent birth of his son saw him miss Kenny Dalglish's return to the dugout against Manchester United last weekend, and retained the role even when the England international was available.
For the midweek trip to Blackpool and yesterday's 2-2 draw with Everton, Johnson deputised at left-back, and Dalglish believes that Kelly, who graduated through the club's youth ranks, could command a regular starting role if he can continue the rich vein of form.
He said: "If he keeps playing like that Glen may have a problem - but I'm sure he's happy to play left-back.
"I thought Kelly played really well. He played really well in the first two games against Man U and Blackpool, and I thought [against Everton] he was excellent.
"It's fantastic for us to see young boys starting to develop.
"If you get one like that it is not for us to take the credit, it is the people before us and it has been fantastic for Martin to come and play."
Kelly, 20, is hoping that his recent performances will have convinced Dalglish, taking the reins at Anfield until the end of the season, that he is worthy of a regular place in his starting line-up.
"I'm made up with my own form. Hopefully I'll keep training well and get a chance to play," he said.
"It's the first time I've played three games in a week and it is pretty tough on you mentally as well as physically but it is all a learning curve.
"In the Premier League, Europa League and Champions League you need to play three times a week so it's really good to do that."
by Richard Buxton. Published Mon 17 Jan 2011 17:18
Martin Kelly's recent displays could see him displace Glen Johnson as Liverpool's first-choice right-back.
The Whiston-born youngster stepped into the void left by Johnson as the imminent birth of his son saw him miss Kenny Dalglish's return to the dugout against Manchester United last weekend, and retained the role even when the England international was available.
For the midweek trip to Blackpool and yesterday's 2-2 draw with Everton, Johnson deputised at left-back, and Dalglish believes that Kelly, who graduated through the club's youth ranks, could command a regular starting role if he can continue the rich vein of form.
He said: "If he keeps playing like that Glen may have a problem - but I'm sure he's happy to play left-back.
"I thought Kelly played really well. He played really well in the first two games against Man U and Blackpool, and I thought [against Everton] he was excellent.
"It's fantastic for us to see young boys starting to develop.
"If you get one like that it is not for us to take the credit, it is the people before us and it has been fantastic for Martin to come and play."
Kelly, 20, is hoping that his recent performances will have convinced Dalglish, taking the reins at Anfield until the end of the season, that he is worthy of a regular place in his starting line-up.
"I'm made up with my own form. Hopefully I'll keep training well and get a chance to play," he said.
"It's the first time I've played three games in a week and it is pretty tough on you mentally as well as physically but it is all a learning curve.
"In the Premier League, Europa League and Champions League you need to play three times a week so it's really good to do that."
