Liverpool youngster Martin Kelly has revealed his delight with England manager Fabio Capello's recent words of praise.
The defender, 21, broke into the first team with the Reds under Kenny Dalglish last season and he has been reliable when called upon, though injuries have restricted his availability.
Capello recently referred to him as “really interesting” footballer who played a “good, good game” against Arsenal in Liverpool’s 2-0 victory at the Emirates.
“It's exciting as a youth England player to hear that from an England manager but I've not been up there and trained with the senior side yet," said Kelly to Liverpool’s official website
“Obviously I can still play for the under-21s and helping them qualify for the Euros is the main objective. I've been brought up to have my feet on the ground and that's where they will stay.
“I don't think you can take anything for granted in football. Things change so quickly. You've got to be on top of your game all the time, there's always competition coming in
“You've got to keep working hard because it's a short career and you have to make the most of it.
“The injury made me a stronger character. I missed nearly two years of my growth but if you keep working at it and take your chances – that's what you need to do in football.
“There are millions of kids out there looking for a chance and you've got to take it.”
Kelly is desperate to be involved in the England set-up, although he would be ecstatic if they won even without his involvement.
He said: “One of my all-time ambitions, even if I'm not in the squad, is to see England win a World Cup.
“While I'm alive I want to see England win a World Cup because I'm a massive England fan. When it comes to the World Cup and Euros I've always got the England shirt on and I'm with the lads watching it at the local pub.
“It's a massive thing to be thought of to be in that senior squad – it's great to have had a little mention off the England manager."
The defender, who has two under-21 caps, will be looking at the recent youngsters to have broken into the first team and feel that he could follow in their path.
Manchester United’s Chris Smalling is the latest promising talent to start for his country, while Andy Carroll, Jack Wilshere and Jordan Henderson have all made the step up in the past year.
“The word 'potential' is used a lot and I think the generation coming up that's my age, there's a really good squad there,” Kelly added.
“There is definitely the quality there to replace the people who are getting a little bit older now.
“I think it will be exciting times in the next three or four years when my generation grows up and gets into their mid-20s. We'll have a really good side.”
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