Kelly Named In England U21 Squad

Liverpool’s Martin Kelly has been called up by England Coach Stuart Pearce to the U21 squad which will  face Uzbekistan in next Tuesday’s International at Ashton Gate.

The 20 year old has already featured at both U19 and U20 level for England, making 9 appearances in total and now finds himself on the next rung in the ladder of progression. He made his first competitive start for Liverpool in October 2009 as he slotted in at right back slot against Lyon in the Reds Champions League campaign. The youngster made an impressive debut and although unable to complete the game due to injury, was voted Man of the Match by the Liverpool fans, after not only providing solid defending but showing the ability to get forward and deliver in the final third.

The injury he picked up stalled his first team experiences but he eventually made his Premier Legaue debut in the same season, as he came on to replace Glen Johnson in Liverpool’s 4-1 home victory over Portsmouth at home. Kelly has featured pre-season for Liverpool under Roy Hodgson and also helped Liverpool bring a two away goal advantage back to Anfield as they seized the initiative against FK Rabotnicki in the Europa League. It was Kelly’s pinpoint cross from the right flank in the second half of that match that allowed David Ngog to grab his second of the night.

Kelly shares his first call up to the squad with three other players – Phil Jones, Jordan Henderson and Marc Albrighton

Stuart Pearce commented on Kelly’s call up to the squad:
“Martin Kelly has played for Liverpool in this pre-season in a European qualifying and I also saw him with the younger age groups, so it’s a great opportunity for him.”

The player has gained further first team experience with Huddersfield Town in a short loan spell but for the present time his future certainly seems to be based from Melwood, as growing performances keeping to further first team exposure.