Liverpool defender Martin Kelly is hoping to boost his chances of a more regular first-team place in Sunday's FA Cup fifth round tie against Brighton at Anfield.
The 21-year-old faces strong competition at the Merseyside club in the form of England international Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique at left-back and the versatile Johnson and Jon Flanagan at right-back.
However, Kelly believes the intense competition will bring out the best in him after he impressed against Tottenham recently and was on the bench for last Saturday's defeat at Old Trafford.
"It can be frustrating at times being in and out of the side but that's because of the club I'm at," Kelly told the Liverpool Echo.
"For me to get the best out of my career I need the top players around pushing me and I can also learn off them. When I do play I just have to keep showing everyone what I can do.
"It's just a privilege for me whenever I get the chance from the boss to play for this club. All I can do is keep working hard and progress as a young player.
Comment 1 - 4 of 4
On paper Liverpool should win this comfortably. Brighton will not go down without a fight. I reckon that they will not score a goal but will come out fighting. watch out for the two penalties which Stevie will take and get them in. Two for Stevie, One for Carroll and a superb strike by Bellers will bring it to four nil. Does anyone think that it might be time to bring Raffa back as a mentor to the King. Even an Ambassadorial role. He loves the club and its fans and does not want to move abroad. He has well done enough to warrant this. What do you think ? PLease ! no meldrews or other drivverlers. No Mancs thanks.
Kelly should be in place of Johnson who is just not suited at rightback. Last season's run in success was in part due to King Kenny coming in and using Kelly as RB and Johnson as LB. Just don't understand why this has not continued. Johnson should be used in rotation as LB or in midfield, otherwise he should just be sold. Vastly over rated as a defender and all we need is Kelly and Flanagan as RB for next year.
Kelly RB,Enrique LB and push Johnson on to the right side of midfield,hes attack minded and gt the pace to do damage as he has shown from th RB position,be a natural transition for him.
Kelly should be in the first 11 instead of Jose Enrique. Enrique gives the ball away in dangerous areas way too often.
Please login to post a comment
Not already a Yahoo! user ? Sign up to get a free Yahoo! Account