Kelly Makes The Grade At Liverpool

A product of Liverpool's academy, Kelly has progressed admirably having missed two years with a back problem during the embryonic stages of his career. The versatile defender, who can play anywhere across the back line, recovered to break into the Reds' reserve side during the 2007/08 campaign.

He made his senior debut in the next season's UEFA Champions League, coming on as a late substitute in a 3-1 win at PSV Eindhoven on Matchday 6. Then boss Rafael Benítez subsequently allowed the 18-year-old to be loaned to Huddersfield Town AFC, where he appeared seven times in the third tier and scored his first senior goal.

A mainstay of England's FIFA U-20 World Cup team in late 2009, Kelly's first Liverpool start soon arrived: in a 2-1 home defeat by Olympique Lyonnais in the UEFA Champions League group stage. He made only two club appearances in the 2009/10 campaign thereafter, before truly establishing himself this term – receiving England Under-21 recognition as a result.

While Kelly began to force his way into the Liverpool side under Roy Hodgson, it was when Kenny Dalglish assumed the reins that he nailed a regular spot for the Anfield club. So assured were his displays that England right-back Glen Johnson was moved to the left of defence to accommodate his younger counterpart before injury struck in the form of a hamstring problem in late February.

Having had just three Premier League outings during Hodgson's brief tenure, Kelly soon found favour under the returning Dalglish. Despite having started only two top-flight games in his career, he was thrown into the first XI for the visit of Merseyside rivals Everton and turned in an impressively composed display.

"The injury made me more determined. Having those two years out meant I missed so much from my development. I was lucky to get a chance to come to [Liverpool training ground] Melwood."

"I'm made up with my own form. Hopefully I'll keep training well and get a chance to play. 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."