Dalglish: Kelly’s emergence can inspire other fringe players

MARTIN KELLY’S emergence as a genuine contender at right-back should offer encouragement to other fringe players wanting to establish themselves, according to Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish.

The 20-year-old, who came through the ranks of the club’s academy primarily as a central defender, has started all three matches Dalglish has been in charge since taking over from Roy Hodgson.

Not only that, he has been their best player on each of those occasions, so much so that England right-back Glen Johnson is currently being accommodated on the left.

When he was appointed to take temporary charge until the end of the season Dalglish was keen to stress everyone started with a clean slate, but what is evident is that the Scot is basing a lot of opinions on what he witnesses with his own eyes and not on reputations.

It is why Kelly has been a constant under him and Jay Spearing was selected in central midfield for Sunday’s 215th Merseyside derby despite only just returning from two months out with a broken ankle.

It was also explained why Jonjo Shelvey was his only substitute against Everton and 19-year-old Spaniard Dani Pacheco was named on the bench alongside the more experienced trio of Joe Cole, Ryan Babel and Fabio Aurelio, who all watched from the dugout at Anfield.

“I thought Kelly played really well in the first two games and I thought he was excellent (against Everton),” said Dalglish. “If he keeps playing like that Glen may have a problem — but I’m sure he’s happy to play left-back.”