Martin Kelly believes the inclusion of Steven Gerrard on Liverpool's teamsheet gave everybody a boost ahead of Saturday's 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
After making his comeback following a six-month absence with a substitute appearance at Brighton in midweek, the captain was named on the bench for the visit of Mick McCarthy's side before he made a late cameo as the Reds clinched three points.
And Kelly feels Gerrard's presence played a part in lifting the crowd inside Anfield, which in turn helped Liverpool make a positive opening to their clash against Wolves.
"It was good to get back to winning ways (in the league) and I think we needed the three points," Kelly told Liverpoolfc.tv. "We had the fans behind us and the return of Stevie especially lifted the crowd. We're happy with the win."
Liverpool took an early lead at Anfield when Roger Johnson deflected Charlie Adam's shot into his own net after 11 minutes.
The Reds then furthered their advantage moments before the break courtesy of a fine effort from Luis Suarez.
Wolves reduced the arrears when Steve Fletcher tucked home four minutes into the second half, but despite spells of sustained pressure from the visitors, it was Liverpool who went closest to finding the net again.
"The early goal was vital and we got another from Luis," said Kelly. "We were unlucky not to get a third and it's a pity we couldn't because that would have sealed it, but we were professional and saw the game off.
"It was a great goal from Luis. He's playing at a high standard at the minute. He is even training the same way as he is playing and it's fantastic to have him in the team.
"With Stevie to return, it's going to cause the gaffer even more selection problems. But we're all in it together."
On Wolves' fruitless search for an equalizer following their goal, Kelly added: "It always happens in football, especially in the Premier League, when you've got a two-goal lead and the opposition gets a goal, they're back in the game.
"But I thought we defended well, got through the game and it was vital we got the three points."
Liverpool return to action next Saturday lunchtime when they make the short journey across Stanley Park to take on Everton in the Merseyside derby.
Kelly believes it was imperative the Reds collected three points before travelling to Goodison Park.
He said: "We can build on this win. It was good to get a victory going into the derby next weekend. We needed it because it's going to be a really tough game there. We'll all have to work hard in training to make sure we're ready for next week."
Kelly is eager to play a part in the derby clash having been on the bench for last season's corresponding fixture with the Blues.
The 21-year-old's appearance against Wolves was his second start in succession following a hamstring problem - and the defender believes he's back in peak condition.
Kelly said: "I'm feeling good. The medical staff has worked me a lot this week to keep me on top of the hamstring injury. It was about being sensible against Wolves, and I thought I did that.
"The medical staff has worked really hard with me and we've come through it together. I'm made up I've played the last two games and I'm feeling fitter than ever."
He added: "I'm really looking forward to playing in the derby, if I'm selected. I was on the bench last season and it was a tough game. They started well and put us under pressure.
"We'll be looking for the win, but it's a derby day and it's always difficult."
No comments:
Post a Comment