Liam Kelly (M Feyenoord (loaned to Oxford) b.1995)

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

It's weird how me and Rob drew the same conclusion.

We must have telepathy!

[tetsujin1979]

My first thoughts on hearing his call-up.

https://twitter.com/RobBrennan82/status/841255578219483138
Not really your thoughts though, are they?

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Very similar to what I was thinking before I went on his Twitter.

In fairness, I don't think either of them would have much of a chance of featuring against even Iceland due to our propensity of options in midfield, so maybe they thought it was more prudent to call up Kelly rather than Manning.

Kelly might appreciate the overture and it's not like Manning is going anywhere.

[mark12345]

Very similar to what I was thinking before I went on his Twitter.

In fairness, I don't think either of them would have much of a chance of featuring against even Iceland due to our propensity of options in midfield, so maybe they thought it was more prudent to call up Kelly rather than Manning.

Kelly might appreciate the overture and it's not like Manning is going anywhere.

Kelly is as neat and tidy a midfielder as I have seen in some time. Recall a couple of his Championship games and then the game at Old Trafford in the Cup where he was one of the best players on show. Am confident that he'll be a big contributor to our cause in the coming years.

[Olé Olé]

Kelly is as neat and tidy a midfielder as I have seen in some time. Recall a couple of his Championship games and then the game at Old Trafford in the Cup where he was one of the best players on show. Am confident that he'll be a big contributor to our cause in the coming years.

Agreed. I think he is similar Wes but could have a career as a deeper lying playmaker like Xabi Alonso.

Funny how it goes when he's leapfrogged Jack Byrne by some distance. Just goes to show how important some decisions are. If only Jack hadn't gone to Blackburn and if only Jaap Stam hadn't taken over Reading.

[DeLorean]

I was hoping for Pirlo but I suppose I'd settle for Alonso.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Kelly continues to impress, hoping for Ireland call in summer.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/diminutive-kelly-ready-to-make-giant-strides-for-club-and-country-35630894.html

[SkStu]

If that interview doesn't calm Stutts' gut, then nothing will ;)

Great to read such pride in the call up. Can't wait to see him in action - a deep lying ball player to take the ball from our defenders is a skill we are desperately short of.

[Charlie Darwin]

Shameless, begging for a call-up Richard Keogh-style :)

[gastric]

Tarts, both of them. That's why Hogan and Field are holding out, the teasers!

[Stuttgart88]

Dan McDonnell was at the game and tweeted that Kelly was a lovely player.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Quinn, McShane and Kelly at Reading so you would have to root for them in the Playoffs, though I imagine that Quinn will be moved on.

Jaap Stam hinted that Josh Barrett won't be awarded a new contract.

[mark12345]

Quinn, McShane and Kelly at Reading so you would have to root for them in the Playoffs, though I imagine that Quinn will be moved on.

Jaap Stam hinted that Josh Barrett won't be awarded a new contract.

Can't see either Quinn or McShane holding their own in the top flight. Kelly on the other hand is quite a player, although he too may struggle if Reading don't buy wisely and bolster the squad, assuming of course they make the Premier League.

[DeLorean]

Came across this earlier when trying to find out why he's not in the Reading squad today (illness) (http://hobnob.royals.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=136814).

https://www.ntt20.com/blog-posts/instat-scouting-report-liam-kelly-reading

Steven Reid was discussing Kelly and all things Reading on Newstalk earlier as well, didn't even know he was a first team coach there.

[DeLorean]

Came on for the last fifteen minutes of Reading's 1-0 playoff semi final win over Fulham (agg. 2-1). Hopefully he might get a start at Wembley.

[DannyInvincible]

A reel of some of Liam Kelly's highlights for Reading and Bath over the last few years:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtRcD3zlj8g

Looks very exciting.

[Diggs246]

Would love if he got game time as a 10 against Uruguay

[DeLorean]

Lovely technique on those free kicks, one step and whip.

[Olé Olé]

Would love if he got game time as a 10 against Uruguay

10? Would love to see him in a deep lying playmaker role, personally. Would be interesting to see us deploying one. We often discuss the impact Wes has when retaining the ball for us in a more advanced role. It would be nice to see the impact Kelly could have deeper.

[Diggs246]

I think 10 because Wes is 34 and its clear we need someone to create chance for our strikers

[Olé Olé]

I think 10 because Wes is 34 and its clear we need someone to create chance for our strikers

If he's playing deeper for club why shoehorn him into 10? Wes is 34 but there will surely be a natural cycle whereby another 10 comes around. Alan Judge next season?

[Diggs246]

why shoehorn him into 10? because our player pool unfortunately leaves us in a position where we have to compromise. I would be delighted if Judge turns out to be a great 10 or anyone else for that matter. but we need a guy ahead of the mid-field, no question

[CraftyToePoke]

I don't think it would be fair to put a young fella into an unfamiliar role straight off in international ball, if it goes badly it could set him back. Play him where he earned the call up from, and in time maybe assess what else he might offer when he has found his feet and is at home in the environment.

[Diggs246]

Ideally yes i hear you. But its a friendly and we do have McCarthy, Arter who can play that role for years to come. I just don't want our number 10 position to turn into the situation we find ourselves in now with the strikers, also from what I've seen (albeit highlights and one game)he looks perfect for it

[CraftyToePoke]

I agree with you, he does appear to have that string to his bow from the bits I have seen but not to load it onto him so early. There will be other friendlies.

[Stuttgart88]

I haven't seen much of him but in his cameo against Fulham he seemed to take up a fairly advanced position. If you're comfortable on the ball you're comfortable on the ball.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Linked with Swansea.

http://www.localberkshire.co.uk/sport/15326699.RUMOUR__Swansea_City_target_Reading_FC_st ar_Liam_Kelly/

Leon Britton is getting a new contract, but he's in his mid-thirties, so I don't see how that would affect Swansea's interest if it's genuine.

[liamoo11]

Linked with Swansea.

http://www.localberkshire.co.uk/sport/15326699.RUMOUR__Swansea_City_target_Reading_FC_st ar_Liam_Kelly/

Leon Britton is getting a new contract, but he's in his mid-thirties, so I don't see how that would affect Swansea's interest if it's genuine.


This lad really is an inspiration to us all hoping to still make it. No way he was on anyones radar to break through last summer. I assumed he was going to be released. Well done sir

[CraftyToePoke]

So if a head it kick it British manager on the second tier and below merry go round got the Reading job over Stam, might this fella have been passed over without ever getting a chance even ?

[liamoo11]

So if a head it kick it British manager on the second tier and below merry go round got the Reading job over Stam, might this fella have been passed over without ever getting a chance even ?
I'd say there is a big chance that would have happened. He was on loan end of last season with bath city the level below the conference as a 20 year old. It's a long way back

[samhaydenjr]

So if a head it kick it British manager on the second tier and below merry go round got the Reading job over Stam, might this fella have been passed over without ever getting a chance even ?


I'd say there is a big chance that would have happened. He was on loan end of last season with bath city the level below the conference as a 20 year old. It's a long way back

Then we're really lucky that Stam got the job because, if there's one lesson we can take from the Mexico game, it's that having compact, pacy, technically adept midfielders can be a bit of an asset, to say the least.

[CraftyToePoke]

Manning at QPR was being passed on till they changed manager wasn't he ? He could have been back home with a didn't measure up tag when he was plenty good enough for a chance at the very least. Pure lottery much of it for all the well paid guys in roles at these clubs to judge these matters.

[mark12345]

Then we're really lucky that Stam got the job because, if there's one lesson we can take from the Mexico game, it's that having compact, pacy, technically adept midfielders can be a bit of an asset, to say the least.

Excellent point. We sorely need the likes of Liam Kelly in the team (a player who can hold the ball and make something happen).

[samhaydenjr]

Terrific game tonight for Kelly, bagging both goals as Reading knocked Gillingham out of the EFL Cup: http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/40785978

[DeLorean]

Two cracking strikes they were too - https://youtu.be/vu8ivUmW2Qs?t=1m (https://youtu.be/eZt1Gqo55Os?t=37s)

And his interview afterwards:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtMpiZojMww

[Diggs246]

He is a brilliant player, I really hope he is in the next squad and even maybe make the bench

[Olé Olé]

Another goal for Kelly. Could he be on the move before the window closes? Wouldn't surprise me.

[Charlie Darwin]

I don't see any reason for him to move. He's at a club where he's trusted, is advancing rapidly and who should be there or thereabouts for promotion again.

[DeLorean]

He's a lovely striker of the ball.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QKC575VOZU

[Closed Account]

https://mobile.twitter.com/TalkReading/status/967451703455961092/video/1

[samhaydenjr]

Absolute stunner of a strike - Kelly, Hourihane and Browne have got to be the priorities in midfield to get some caps in the next few friendlies

[liamoo11]

Absolute stunner of a strike - Kelly, Hourihane and Browne have got to be the priorities in midfield to get some caps in the next few friendlies

maybe comes at a good time for him. his season has been a bit low key danger he might fall out of the limelight. hopefully he is in the turkey squad

[Olé Olé]

Whatever about Kelly, Browne and Hourihane definitely deserve their go in the senior side. Both are instrumental at their clubs. Kelly has not been as regular as he would have liked, I suspect.

[DeLorean]

Kelly's screamer at 0:39, Richard Keogh's goal at 1:12.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Jqm4tO_Xb8

[seanfhear]

Kelly might suit international football . Hopefully a small fella might get more protection at international level . Thats what I am hoping for anyway .

[mark12345]

Kelly might suit international football . Hopefully a small fella might get more protection at international level . Thats what I am hoping for anyway .

Think you're right about that. He's a very neat and tidy player, something we are lacking in the national team at the moment.
He's not playing in a great team at the moment (Reading) - would really benefit to a move to a ball playing team. I have a feeling he has a long international career ahead of him

[mark12345]

Kelly has more ability than either of those players. But nonetheless I would still like to see both Hourihane and Browne get a run out. They have plenty of drive and passion about them.

[DeLorean]

He's not playing in a great team at the moment (Reading) - would really benefit to a move to a ball playing team.

I thought Jaap Stam was all about the ball playing?

[tetsujin1979]

I was watching Kelly's goal on youtube, and the recommendations included his free kick against Chelsea in the U21 Premier League a few years ago. The goal from the weekend is further out, but the ball ends up in the same spot in the goal
-2hQWXWgmKw

[Diggs246]

Im really disappointed he is a lovely player, terrible decision I have to say, he will never play for England

https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/reading-young-gun-liam-kelly-turns-down-chance-to-play-for-ireland-36724753.html