MARTIN KELLY

Kelly’s footballing story is one that has seen him battle against the odds. The defender impressed at Liverpool’s academy, despite having missed out on two years of his development through a back injury, and in 2007 he was promoted to the club’s reserve side.

He made an immediate impact for Liverpool’s second string, helping the reserves claim the league title in the 2007-08 campaign and soon caught the eye of the senior coaching staff. Indeed, after a loan spell at Huddersfield Town, he was handed a shock, full debut for Liverpool in October 2009, thrown into the Champions League game against Lyon at Anfield with Glen Johnson ruled out through injury.

Kelly then travelled to the Under-20 World Cup in Egypt with England. It was a poor campaign with the side picking up just one point against Uzbekistan in the group stage leading to their elimination. However, he was soon handed his first England Under-21 call-up, scoring on his debut as he came on as a substitute against Uzbekistan in 2010.

In the same year, Liverpool rewarded him with a new contract that tied him down until 2014. Following his first senior start against Lyon, Kelly suffered with injuries, hampering the remainder of the term, but the next year he made his mark at Anfield, racking up 23 appearances in all competitions, including 10 league starts, and drawing many plaudits.

Strengths: Kelly is an athletic player, capable of lung-busting runs back and forth the right channel. His versatility is also a major bonus, with Kelly able to play anywhere along the back four. Kelly is tall, at 6′ 3”, meaning he is also an aerial presence on defensive and attacking set-pieces.

Weaknesses: His previous woes with a serious back injury might spell concern over his consistent availability and he can be caught out of position when on a trademark charge.

Career high: Two stand-out moments for Kelly include winning the Premier Reserve League in 2008 and also being named Liverpool’s Young Player of the Year in 2011.

Career low: His side’s exit from the Under-20 World Cup.

Style: Electric, pacey, strong, a defender with impressive stamina.

Quotes: “The injury has 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 Melwood.” Kelly reflecting on a back injury that ruled him out for two years.

Trivia: Jamie Carragher is one of the youngster’s biggest fans and has described him as “turbo charged”.