Thursday, October 22, 2009

Bitter-Sweet Debut For Kelly


Martin Kelly admitted his first Liverpool start in the defeat by Lyon left a sour taste in his mouth.

The former Academy talent was thrown into the starting line-up for Tuesday's UEFA Champions League clash following an injury to regular right-back Glen Johnson.

The England Under-20 international capped his full debut with an encouraging display until the 19-year-old picked up an injury in the second half and was substituted.

And Kelly confessed to mixed emotions on a night that saw his side slump to their second reverse in Group E and now face an uphill struggle to secure qualification to the last 16.

"I was happy to make my debut and the fans were fantastic with me but it was just disappointing with the final result," he told the club's official website.

"The lads were frustrated in the dressing room and it was tough to take losing right at the end.

"It was a cruel way to lose the game because I didn't think they looked like scoring in the second half to be honest.

"I thought we deserved to win and it was a frustrating night for us.

"Everyone is disappointed but we've got a game on Sunday against Manchester United and we need to put it right."

Kelly came close to opening his Liverpool account at the Kop end when he failed to connect with Fabio Aurelio's cross before Yossi Benayoun bailed him out with a composed finish.

And the teenage full-back is now intent on building from his first start in Reds colours.

"I was happy to see Yossi score because I would have probably got slated at half-time for missing the chance," he added.

"I will take a lot of confidence from starting my first game for Liverpool but in football you are only as good as your last game.

"I've just got to keep working hard and put performances in week in, week out, and not just for one game."

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