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

[tetsujin1979]

U21 midfield player on the bench for Reading today

[tetsujin1979]

Full league debut today for Kelly, but was taken off on 27 minutes for Paul McShane, who went on to score the winner
But, according to this article on getreading.co.uk, he shouldn't be disheartened: http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/reading-fc-liam-kelly-must-12064289

[Stuttgart88]

I think you left out a "not"!

[Kingdom]

It seems like a huge faux pas from Stam, reading through that article and a couple of associated articles.

[Paddy Garcia]

Got a very strong commendation on Radio 5 this evening for an excellent performance.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

In talks with Reading over a new contract with Rangers waiting in the wings.

Paul McShane captained Reading to a fourth consecutive clean sheet this afternoon with Kelly coming off the bench to make his second league appearance of the season.

Reading third now behind Newcastle and Brighton after a comprehensive victory over Burton Albion.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Kelly starts tonight.

McShane also in the starting lineup.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Kelly starts again.

Does anyone else think he looks like Kenny Bania from Seinfeld?


http://www.readingfc.co.uk/cms_images/liam-kelly4x3154-1131108_478x359.jpg

http://mrwgifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Thats-Gold-Jerry-Gold-Kenny-Bania-Quote-Gif-On-Seinfeld.gif

[Eminence Grise]

Now you mention it, alright...

[liamoo11]

Great to see him taking his chance with swift injured

[Closed Account]

Liam Kelly Retweeted (https://twitter.com/L_Kelly95) https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/742491584495792128/Q1ss-KN9_bigger.jpg Talk Reading ‏@TalkReading (https://twitter.com/TalkReading) 3h3 hours ago (https://twitter.com/TalkReading/status/810771362918912000)
Congratulations to @L_Kelly95 (https://twitter.com/L_Kelly95) on being included in the @WhoScored (https://twitter.com/WhoScored) Championship Team of the Week! #readingfc (https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash)

Liam Kelly (https://twitter.com/L_Kelly95)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C0BwQKjWIAAhyzq.jpg

[OwlsFan]

See who is full back :)

[TrapAPony]

See who is full back :)

Ryan Fredericks??:p

[tetsujin1979]

New contract at Reading: http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/liam-kelly-signs-new-contract-2019-3491427.aspx
Started against Fulham, but the match was unfortunately abandoned due to fog.

[Charlie Darwin]

He and McShane seem to be progressing really well under Stam and from what I've seen and heard they play a really good style of football. Hopefully the likes of Barrett and Long can benefit from that and break into the team in the near future.

[liamoo11]

He gives hope to us all. He was playing for bath city last season on loan as a 20 year old. They play in the national league north the division below what used to be called the conference the 6 th tier of English football. Was nearly 21 before he played for reading.

[Olé Olé]

From all descriptions, he appears to be a technical and passing midfield player so I'm sure it's something that a Dutchman like Stam would like to implement in his side.

Just quickly in relation to the crop of lads around his age that were/are at Reading: Pierce Sweeney seems to be getting games at Exeter having signed there permanently during the summer. He has made 18 starts so far. Sean Long is on loan at Cambridge in League 2 for, initially, half the season. He has only made 5 starts so you'd think a return to Reading is likely. Shane Griffin signed a new contract during the summer and I really can't see much, if any, first team action from him. He must be playing with the under 23 side, along with Niall Keown. Keown hasn't had much first team involvement either.

[DeLorean]

Has just pulled a goal back for Reading with his first senior goal. A nice little swivel and turn before putting it into the bottom corner after being given far too much space. Bristol City 2-1 Reading.

[liamoo11]

He had just come on for swift the lad who used be at Chelsea and wood be a similar type of technical footballer but bigger. Also that swift always seems crazy slow to me which is I guess is somewhat paradoxical

[DeLorean]

Reading level now. Assist for Kelly after a great run.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

I'd say we will be lucky to hang on to this lad, but hope I am proven wrong.

[DeLorean]

3-2 Reading! Some comeback.

[Stuttgart88]

I saw a clip of him recently. He delivers a mean dead ball. He really has taken his chance and has suddenly become one to watch out for.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

This cat's even shorter than Hoolahan isn't he?

5 ft. 4 or 5 ft. 5 I think.

What height is Mathieu Valbuena?

[liamoo11]

This cat's even shorter than Hoolahan isn't he?

5 ft. 4 or 5 ft. 5 I think.

What height is Mathieu Valbuena?

you do realise towk that kelly is eligible to play for the Brits under 21 s in the euro s in the summer and might replace his reading teamate swift just like he did today?

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

What are you driving at?

[liamoo11]

I'm asking if you realise Kelly is eligible to play for the England under 21 s in the euros this summer and that he might replace his teammate swift in the side like he did today at reading. I trust that is clearer to you

[samhaydenjr]

I'd say we will be lucky to hang on to this lad, but hope I am proven wrong.


I'm asking if you realise Kelly is eligible to play for the England under 21 s in the euros this summer and that he might replace his teammate swift in the side like he did today at reading. I trust that is clearer to you

Call him up MON! Last minute sub against Wales! Of course we could always use the line "Jack Grealish thought he was too good for us and how many England caps has he got as a result?":p

[Charlie Darwin]

Looks like he only ever played once for the 21s, two years ago. Anyone know why?

[Olé Olé]

Looks like he only ever played once for the 21s, two years ago. Anyone know why?

Not saying that this is the answer to your question but the fact that prior to this season he was only on loan at Bath City in the 6th tier might infer there was a perception that he wasn't of the quality for a higher level. Again, there could be more to it than that.

[liamoo11]

Not saying that this is the answer to your question but the fact that prior to this season he was only on loan at Bath City in the 6th tier might infer there was a perception that he wasn't of the quality for a higher level. Again, there could be more to it than that.

yeah this. Bath are on the level below the conference. I doubt we have picked many at 21 s below conference level. Jack Connors was hammered for been included so much at 21 s and I tink the lowest he was was conference . Mcdonagh is scoring a bit at Wrexham in the conference but if he is included in the under 19 qualifiers in March I bet there will be an outrage cause he is in the conference and lads whinging cause someone like Boyd at rovers isn't included and rovers would beat every conference team, every league 1 team , every league 2 team and prob every championship team apart from Newcastle away!

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Looks like he only ever played once for the 21s, two years ago. Anyone know why?


https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/bc/73/63/bc736361bc31387058bb039a665dd024.jpg

What are you implying?

[samhaydenjr]

Looks like he only ever played once for the 21s, two years ago. Anyone know why?

Uh-Oh :nightmare:

[DeLorean]

O'Dowda won the penalty to put Bristol City 2-0 up in what seems like a rare start for him. He came off after an hour with City still 2-0 up. Highlights from the game here.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cywXD_0k1sk

[Wangball]

Kelly & Barrett are both products of Eamonn Dolan's amazing work @ Reading & both would've had interaction with Brian McDermott, Kevin Doyle, Noel & Stephen Hunt, Paul McShanr, Alex Pearce, Sean Long, Shane Griffin, Pearce Sweeney & the likes, is it too much to hope that they've been brainwashed into our way of thinking and wouldn't possibly consider an approach from England?!!


All that aside the last international football they played was with us so they're ours to lose....time to start the charm offensive!

[NeverFeltBetter]

Playing today at Old Trafford. Reading generally being overrun, 15 minutes in and I'm not sure he's even touched the ball.

[DeLorean]

Started at Old Trafford. Wayne Rooney has equalled Bobby Charlton's Man Utd goal scoring record to give them a 1-0 lead.

[DeLorean]

He got an early reminder of the step up when he was outpaced by Smalling in a situation where he was favourite to get hold of the ball, but dithered a little bit. He has grown into the game though considering how outclassed Reading have been as a whole. He's won a corner and been involved in most of Reading's attacks although McCleary has easily been their standout threat. Kelly would have had a tap in but for some really good defensive work from Michael Carrick. Played one pass that ended up to nobody alright after he got his wires crossed with the full back.

[NeverFeltBetter]

Got a shot off from a tight angle, straight at Romero but never going in.

[DeLorean]

Thought it was more of an attempted cross but yeah forgot about that one, was positive play and more significant than him winning a corner. :)

[DeLorean]

Was moved deeper into midfield in the second half and has looked very accomplished. Always showing for the ball and looking up. Losing 4-0 now though after a couple of quick-fire Rashford goals.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

That's gold Jerry, gold.

[Olé Olé]

Thought he was really good. As Delorean said, he was always looking for the ball. Very forward-thinking. Played one beauty of a ball onto the head of Kermorgant in the box. Played another accurate diagonal ball shortly after to the left wing. Looks a very good player in the making.

[DeLorean]

That second one you mentioned was Scholes/Alonso like.

[SkStu]

Thought he was really good. As Delorean said, he was always looking for the ball. Very forward-thinking. Played one beauty of a ball onto the head of Kermorgant in the box. Played another accurate diagonal ball shortly after to the left wing. Looks a very good player in the making.

What I think of whenever anyone mentions Yann Kermorgrant.

http://kingofwallpapers.com/cormorant/cormorant-011.jpg

Should have played on the wing.

[Olé Olé]

That second one you mentioned was Scholes/Alonso like.

Definitely. And he made it look so effortless.

I don't think he could have done much defensively when he went into a deeper role but you just have to compare his impact on the game with that of Danny Williams (who seemed lost inside there) to see how well he did.

[CraftyToePoke]

So he is English born, and it's through his grandparents he has qualified, but he seems very happy to do so. I think I had read someplace he was Irish born but moved when very young, anyway, not the case. Hopefully this call up and him accepting it without any delay, is the first of many.



As his stalling career reach a tipping point last season, Ireland new-boy Liam Kelly wondered if his chance would ever come.
The youngster who has been called up to the Ireland senior squad for the first time ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Wales later this month was overlooked by a succession of Reading managers and cast aside by Ireland’s junior sides despite some sparking performances in his fledging international career, the one factor holding Kelly back was a problem he simply couldn’t solve.
A little like a certain Lionel Messi a decade before him, 5’7” Kelly was considered to be too short to make it as a professional footballer in an era when brawn was valued more than brains and sublime raw talent.

It mattered not that he had more natural ability in both feet than most of the senior professionals around him at Reading, as Kelly was ‘that short kid’ who did not have the physical attributes to make it in the rough and tough world of England’s Championship division.
Just when it seemed like his cause was lost, former Manchester United talisman was appointed as Reading manager last summer and in an instant, Kelly’s world was transformed.

It didn’t take long for Stam and his coaching staff to appreciate that the kid discarded by others would be a perfect fit for the passing football that were determined to bring to Reading and they slowly set about integrating him into their first team plans.
With Kelly operating on the same youth team contract that was due to run out this summer, he made his Championship debut against Rotherham in October and has not looked back since.

A bumper new contract was presented to Kelly in January and while he still lives at home with his parents in their humble Basingstoke home for now, his star is finally shooting at last.
Described by Stam as world-class in December, this little maestro has turned games for Reading with moments of magic as either a starter or super-sub and the Ireland coaching team have acknowledged his sparkling form by naming the 21-year-old in the Ireland squad for the vital World Cup qualifier against Wales in Dublin later this month.

Kelly may well be trimmed from the list when boss Martin O’Neill reduces his pool of players in the coming days, but this call-up will be welcomed by a shy young man who granted me his first interview a few days after he became an YouTube sensation after he scored a wonder goal from the half-way line for Ireland’s under-19s against Sweden in October 2013.

“I always knew there was a possibility that I could play for Ireland and it is something I was desperate to do,” stated English-born Kelly, who qualifies for Ireland via his Mayo-born grandfather Tony and his Leitrim-born grandmother Mary.

“The pride I felt pulling on the green shirt was fantastic and when you hear the anthem being played, you get that special feeling, one you will never get playing at club level. I feel so privileged to play for Ireland and to see the pride in my parents and grandparents with the way it has gone has been brilliant.”
Liam’s prowess from set-pieces may be the most exciting aspect of his talents, with his diminutive stature meaning he would provide a very different type of midfield option for a future Ireland team than we have been used to in recent years, with the fame his goal in Sweden has given him hardly turning his head as he keeps his youthful feet firmly planted in his stable family set-up.

“The Youtube hits on that goal have been amazing and I have another couple of free-kicks on there that have been downloaded loads of time as well,” Kelly told me with a smile. “It is pretty cool, but it is not something I worry too much about.
“I’m pleased that goal in Sweden was caught on TV because it will probably never happen again. You can’t really practice that can you, scoring goals from the half-way line.

“I work on my free-kicks every day after training and you have to do that if you want to get good at them. That part of the game is all about practice and it is great when it pays off in a game, but the Sweden goal was a once in a lifetime kind of moment.”

While it is premature to suggest this impish little starlet could one day be hailed as the ‘Irish Messi’, Kelly is fortunate to be making his way in the game at a time when smaller players are getting their chances to breakthrough alongside more powerful youthful stars.

“I never let my height worry me,” he stresses. “I just wanted to play football and it has been good enough to get me into a team at whatever level I was playing at.

“Frank Lampard was an idol for me growing up as my Dad was a Chelsea fan, but I also looked at guys like Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, Xavi and they are all small in stature and haven’t done too bad in their careers. They are the best in the world at playing football and that shows what is possible.”
It is when we get to the subject of ambitions that Kelly offers his most enchanting opinions, as while some in his position may dream of the day when they purchase their first Ferrari, this youngster who is about to sign his first professional contract with Reading.

“My big ambition is to try and look after my family one day and say they don’t have to work any more,” adds the boy wonder whose proud mother Christine plies her trade in a bank and Chelsea-loving father Joe works for the local council.

“Mum and Dad drove me everywhere across the country since day one and it would be great to pay them back one day.”
This is the story of a young man with sublime talent who has beaten the system in many ways to reach the top in the game.

Ireland have not produced too many superstars in recent years, but Liam Kelly has the potential to become a glistening gem amid the next generation of international hopefuls.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

My first thoughts on hearing his call-up.

https://twitter.com/RobBrennan82/status/841255578219483138

[CraftyToePoke]

My first thoughts on hearing his call-up.

https://twitter.com/RobBrennan82/status/841255578219483138

And nothing to do with Kelly making 20 league apps in a side with a serious eye on the Prem playoffs Vs a lad with 11 apps in a side mired in mid table ?

Let's face it, had it been Manning over Kelly you'd have been on here hinting negatively at why that was as well.

[Stuttgart88]

My first thoughts on hearing his call-up.

https://twitter.com/RobBrennan82/status/841255578219483138My first thoughts were that you'd post something expressing cynicism.