Kelly: They'll Be Nervous Now

Martin Kelly believes defenders up and down the country will now be nervous whenever they look at a Liverpool teamsheet.

The Reds have four international strikers on their books once again having acquired the services of Craig Bellamy in the transfer window.

He will compete for places with Luis Suarez, Andy Carroll and Dirk Kuyt - and Kelly thinks the goals will flow no matter who is selected by Kenny Dalglish.

"When you see names like that on the teamsheet, the opposition has got to be looking at that and being a little bit nervous because of the players they are and the respect they've got," he told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"That's great for me because I'm playing with them.

"With teams coming to Anfield, they should be nervous before the game because of the crowd and because they're playing Liverpool Football Club. It should be intimidating coming to Liverpool."

Kelly has witnessed from close quarters the changes instigated by Dalglish and Fenway Sports Group over the last eight months. The revolution began in with the signings of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez in January, with Fernando Torres and Ryan Babel leaving. Another seven players arrived this summer while the number allowed to leave tallied well into double figures.

"It needed a little bit of change because of the club we are," reflected Kelly. "At Liverpool you need to be pushing for things.

"The changes we've had, the people we've brought in like the manager and the medical staff, it's all knitted together now. We've gelled and we're ready to move forward this season."

The new depth of quality within Dalglish's squad means Kelly has to compete for position against not only England right-back Glen Johnson, but also impressive 18-year-old Jon Flanagan.

"That's the way football goes," he said. "All I can do is play well once selected. I've done that at this club but I need to keep that going and keep fighting for my place.

"As long as the fans and the manager know that when I do play I give my all and I won't let people down, that's the main thing. It's a massive club, you've got a lot of pressure and from a young boy you understand that at this club.

"We don't really discuss it. We help each other out in training and for me and Jon, looking up to Glen, who is the international right-back, it's the best thing we can have to learn from."

Kelly has made 29 appearances for Liverpool so far - one more than his good friend Jay Spearing. The two enjoy a friendly rivalry.

"My ambition as a young kid was to play for Liverpool and now I've done that just under 30 times," said Kelly.

"Now it's to keep going and keep learning from the best here at Liverpool. I want to play as many games as possible, no matter what competition it's in. To be part of a team like Liverpool at this time is a really good thing - they're exciting times.

"It (appearances) is in the program and me and Jay have got a little tab on it because I think I'm a couple ahead of him. I've got to keep that going."