Kelly has made 16 first team appearances for Liverpool

Liverpool defender Martin Kelly says it is time he made a name for himself after signing a new contract last week.

The 20-year-old local boy has penned a deal to stay at Anfield until 2014.

"Since I was first able to kick a football, all I've wanted to do to is play for Liverpool," Whiston-born Kelly told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"I need to keep pushing and progressing now I've got the contract. The hard work starts now to try to make a name for myself in the team."

The England Under-21 international, who has played 12 times in the Liverpool first team this season, says the experience has been valuable to his progression.

"I've settled in a lot more this season and found myself getting used to the players," Kelly continued.

"It's great being around the players that are in our squad because of their quality and it's the best place to be at, in terms of helping my development.

"At the minute I'm enjoying it and I'm enjoying my football."

He added: "I've been at Liverpool since I was seven, and the feeling I'm getting playing for Liverpool and getting the chances I'm getting - I don't want it to stop."

The new deal for the former Reds trainee was tempered by the loss of vice-captain Jamie Carragher, who will be out until the new year with a dislocated shoulder.

"We didn't need that at this time of the year," added Kelly. "Jamie is our best defender, the one who brings our team forward, who tells everyone on the pitch what they're doing and he's going to be a massive loss.

"If the boss needs me to fill in any position along the back four then hopefully I can do that.

"I've got to take the chances I get but I just hope Jamie gets back as soon as possible as we'll miss him."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version