Stephen Kelly

[Stuttgart88]

Foley just hasn't taken to international football (yet?). I was expecting him to be like a Fulham-era Finnan, totally at home at international level from day 1. Instead he's looked nervy and out of synch with the rest of the back 4.

Kelly had one horror show at RB (Georgia - 3 yrs ago) and has only ever been a filler-in at LB. However at RB I have confidence in him, much more than Foley at this stage. I think he's got character about him. I also like the fact that he used to go to all Ireland's home games as a kid.

I listened to the second half of Fulham v Spurs on 5 Live on Sunday and they praised his performance. I then saw the last 15 mins on TV and he did nothing wrong. He brought his right midfielder into play all the time and I don't recall possession breaking down once because of Kelly.

I think he'll do OK.

[Sullivinho]

Foley just hasn't taken to international football (yet?). I was expecting him to be like a Fulham-era Finnan, totally at home at international level from day 1. Instead he's looked nervy and out of synch with the rest of the back 4.

Kelly had one horror show at RB (Georgia - 3 yrs ago) and has only ever been a filler-in at LB. However at RB I have confidence in him, much more than Foley at this stage. I think he's got character about him. I also like the fact that he used to go to all Ireland's home games as a kid.

I listened to the second half of Fulham v Spurs on 5 Live on Sunday and they praised his performance. I then saw the last 15 mins on TV and he did nothing wrong. He brought his right midfielder into play all the time and I don't recall possession breaking down once because of Kelly.

I think he'll do OK.

Agree with all of that. I had the very same Finnan-esque expectations for Foley but he's been disappointing. I rate him but it just hasn't happened for him so far. There's no panic in Kelly, good character alright. Honestly, and with all due respect to them, I wouldn't worry about any of our lot individually against Estonia. Calmest I've ever been the day before a game of this magnitude.

[Irwin3]

Foley hasn't exactly been given much of a chance. I think he's started about 4 games (8 caps total) and played the 90 only once. Kelly has stayed ahead of him despite not being a regular at club level since the 07/08 season! Kelly has played the 90 for Ireland around 20 times I think and now after his centre back and captain experiences he is seen as some kind of defensive genius. He's ok and he gives his all but don't be expecting him to suddenly be something he's not. People were criticising Ward's poor crossing against Russia when during the same match Kelly didn't even attempt a cross in the whole match! Very limited player in my opinion. Hopefully he shows the relatively good defensive play he has of late and doesn't regress to his former self.

Foley is 27 and has 8 caps. 4787 minutes in the PL since 09/10.
Kelly is 28 and has 25 caps. 1533 minutes in the PL since 09/10.

This sums up Trapatonni's aversion to giving players in form a chance. There are many others.

[SwanVsDalton]

Foley hasn't exactly been given much of a chance. I think he's started about 4 games (8 caps total) and played the 90 only once. Kelly has stayed ahead of him despite not being a regular at club level since the 07/08 season! Kelly has played the 90 for Ireland around 20 times I think and now after his centre back and captain experiences he is seen as some kind of defensive genius. He's ok and he gives his all but don't be expecting him to suddenly be something he's not. People were criticising Ward's poor crossing against Russia when during the same match Kelly didn't even attempt a cross in the whole match! Very limited player in my opinion. Hopefully he shows the relatively good defensive play he has of late and doesn't regress to his former self.

Foley is 27 and has 8 caps. 4787 minutes in the PL since 09/10.
Kelly is 28 and has 25 caps. 1533 minutes in the PL since 09/10.

This sums up Trapatonni's aversion to giving players in form a chance. There are many others.

No one (not even Stephen Kelly's granny) has said or would say he's a defensive genius. What I'd point out is he consistently doesn't get as much credit as he could. In recent months he's been really very good for us at right back, not least in Russia when he was pretty excellent in my mind.

He also attacked at will down the left against Armenia, albeit against ten men who'd left that side exposed. But he isn't averse to getting down the wing if permitted.

Point is - club form is only one factor in a multitude. Foley's unlucky not to have gotten more time on the pitch, but he hasn't shown up well when he's been on. Kelly has. Credit where credit's due.

Moreover, if I'm not mistaken, he lost his place in the Wolves side at the end of last season and wasn't a starter when he got injured. I'm not sure Foley has really been 'in form' for a while, though I'm happy for MancWolf to come along and say otherwise.

Regardless I'm sure Foley will fight back into the Wolves team and get back into form after recovering from injury. But Trap's decision to stick to Kelly has largely been entirely justified. I don't see how it's worth griping over. There's not much between the two of them, but Kelly's shaded it on the pitch.

[Irwin3]

No one (not even Stephen Kelly's granny) has said or would say he's a defensive genius. What I'd point out is he consistently doesn't get as much credit as he could. In recent months he's been really very good for us at right back, not least in Russia when he was pretty excellent in my mind.

He also attacked at will down the left against Armenia, albeit against ten men who'd left that side exposed. But he isn't averse to getting down the wing if permitted.

Point is - club form is only one factor in a multitude. Foley's unlucky not to have gotten more time on the pitch, but he hasn't shown up well when he's been on. Kelly has. Credit where credit's due.

Moreover, if I'm not mistaken, he lost his place in the Wolves side at the end of last season and wasn't a starter when he got injured. I'm not sure Foley has really been 'in form' for a while, though I'm happy for MancWolf to come along and say otherwise.

Regardless I'm sure Foley will fight back into the Wolves team and get back into form after recovering from injury. But Trap's decision to stick to Kelly has largely been entirely justified. I don't see how it's worth griping over. There's not much between the two of them, but Kelly's shaded it on the pitch.


The point is that Foley was in form for years, especially since the 08/09 season when he was Wolves' POTY and he wasn't given a sniff of getting into the team.

Kelly's done ok recently but don't be fooling yourself. For YEARS I dreaded seeing him on the pitch for Ireland. There was poor performance after poor performance. On top of this he became a PL reserve yet somehow he stayed first choice backup through it all.

Trapattoni hates to change the squad. Hello, Andy Keogh. Kelly's only here because he always turns up. It seems the only way he finally gives someone else a go is if he is forced to through injury. Hello, Kevin Kilbane. At one stage it was looking as though Kilbane would retire from club football before internationals as Trapattoni would have kept calling him up since club form means nothing to him.

[geysir]

I think you have all missed a pertinent point, Kelly is 1cm taller.
Trap values those minute details.

[Stuttgart88]

Foley was given his chance and failed to take it. He nearly cost us the 3 points at home to Macedonia, falling asleep when the defensive line pushed up. He hasn't taken to international football for some reason; he looks nervy. Kelly is more confident.

[Irwin3]

Foley was given his chance and failed to take it. He nearly cost us the 3 points at home to Macedonia, falling asleep when the defensive line pushed up. He hasn't taken to international football for some reason; he looks nervy. Kelly is more confident.

Kelly is more confident now. Kelly got chance after chance. 25 caps. About 20 full games.

Foley got 1 competitive start. How many times did Kelly 'fall asleep' during his first 20 caps? Foley wasn't developed or given a real chance. That's the point.

[dr_peepee]

Had we been unseeded and gotten the like of Portugal I would opt for Kelly every time.. Watch him in the Premiership. He always does well against the better teams. Against teams were his own team are dominating he doesn't perform well. His limitations are highlighted. He's a pure defender but He hasn't a great touch. Can show too much of the ball bringing it forward. I fear that'll manifest tomorrow. Between him and foley for me it's a horses for courses call rather than comitting to who the better right full is.

[SwanVsDalton]

The point is that Foley was in form for years, especially since the 08/09 season when he was Wolves' POTY and he wasn't given a sniff of getting into the team.

Kelly's done ok recently but don't be fooling yourself. For YEARS I dreaded seeing him on the pitch for Ireland. There was poor performance after poor performance. On top of this he became a PL reserve yet somehow he stayed first choice backup through it all.

Foley was playing well but, come on, he was hardly a slam dunk golden boy right back.

Also Kelly has played extremely reliably since Georgia three years ago. He stayed first choice back up presumably because Trap valued his experience and his adeptness when stepping in off the bench. Fairly justified - Foley had one start competitively and was poor. He'll get other chances, but hardly worth complaining about.

That's not fooling myself, it's just credit to Kelly - do you actually want Trap to discard Stephen Kelly because he played badly three or more years ago? Bizarre logic.


Kelly is more confident now. Kelly got chance after chance. 25 caps. About 20 full games.

Foley got 1 competitive start. How many times did Kelly 'fall asleep' during his first 20 caps? Foley wasn't developed or given a real chance. That's the point.

But speculating on what might've been if Foley got a couple of extra caps is hardly any point at all. Particularly when we're talking about a back-up right back, of all things. Kelly has played well under Trap with only one real notable exception (Georgia, 2008). Foley has done ok with one real notable exception (Macedonia, this year). Since then he lost his place at his club team and got injured. That's all there is to it.

Again - not much between them, so Kelly shades it in green. Remember that the Macedonia game was Foley's big chance - Trap explicitly selected him over Kelly (unused sub). And despite conceptions, Trap is happy to play players who prove themselves (St Ledger, Lawrence, Ward, Cox, Long). Unfortunately Foley fumbled the audition.


Trapattoni hates to change the squad. Hello, Andy Keogh. Kelly's only here because he always turns up. It seems the only way he finally gives someone else a go is if he is forced to through injury. Hello, Kevin Kilbane. At one stage it was looking as though Kilbane would retire from club football before internationals as Trapattoni would have kept calling him up since club form means nothing to him.

Ah that old chestnut. Thought that'd been kicked to the kerb entirely but anyway.

He likes Keogh, but it hasn't stopped him bringing in (and playing) Long, Best, Folan, Cox, Walters and Noel hunt in front of him. Six different strikers, not including Keane and Doyle. Killer's been just about our best option at left back for years. When he trusted Ward enough, he played him and now Kilbane ISN'T in the squad. To say Kelly is only in the squad because he turns up is just-a-bit ridiculous.

The squad thing is a total fallacy. Even in the last year he's introduced Cox, Walters, Ward, Forde, Randolph, Clark, Fahey and Coleman, not to mention properly blooding the likes of O'Dea, McCarthy, Westwood and Foley. Plus half way through out last campaign he drafted St Ledger and Lawrence straight into the team and during his tenure there's been fleeting squad appearances for people like Noel Hunt, Martin Rowlands, Eddie Nolan, Keith Treacy, Greg Cunningham, Liam Miller and even NI's main man Alex Bruce. That's just off the top of my head.

The squad has continually evolved and changed - maybe it's not changing as quick as you'd like, but that doesn't mean it's static.

[Irwin3]

I don't know why you are getting so defensive and putting words in my mouth. I agree that Kelly is the best option right now. This is because we haven't given anyone else a proper go. Foley is a 27 year old with one competitive start. I only came into this thread to defend Foley as some people think that one game is enough to judge a player on. Foley is twice the footballer of Kelly. Could Kelly go to anfield and play CM and win? I suppose most would use Foley's versatility and his ability to play ball against him when we have the solid, defensive, 1cm taller Kelly.

Most of the players you list only had the odd cameo here and there.

Static is the perfect word for Trapattoni's squad development.

[Charlie Darwin]

I'm not sure what Foley's ability to play CM has to do with his suitability for RB?

I think, objectively, Kelly is a better player than Foley in almost every aspect and, crucially, in the aspects that Trap values the most: discipline and defensive solidity.

[Irwin3]

I'm not sure what Foley's ability to play CM has to do with his suitability for RB?

I think, objectively, Kelly is a better player than Foley in almost every aspect and, crucially, in the aspects that Trap values the most: discipline and defensive solidity.


I don't know why you are getting so defensive and putting words in my mouth. I agree that Kelly is the best option right now. This is because we haven't given anyone else a proper go. Foley is a 27 year old with one competitive start. I only came into this thread to defend Foley as some people think that one game is enough to judge a player on. Foley is twice the footballer of Kelly. Could Kelly go to anfield and play CM and win? I suppose most would use Foley's versatility and his ability to play ball against him when we have the solid, defensive, 1cm taller Kelly.

Most of the players you list only had the odd cameo here and there.

Static is the perfect word for Trapattoni's squad development.

Right on cue.

[drummerboy]

Then again, could Foley play centre half in an qualifier for Ireland. Hardly.

However, I do think Foley is a decent full back. What goes against him, in Traps eyes, is his physique. He is smaller and lighter than Kelly. He is also a lot more attack minded than Kelly, something which Trap might not perceive as a good quality.

[SwanVsDalton]

I don't know why you are getting so defensive and putting words in my mouth. I agree that Kelly is the best option right now. This is because we haven't given anyone else a proper go. Foley is a 27 year old with one competitive start. I only came into this thread to defend Foley as some people think that one game is enough to judge a player on. Foley is twice the footballer of Kelly. Could Kelly go to anfield and play CM and win? I suppose most would use Foley's versatility and his ability to play ball against him when we have the solid, defensive, 1cm taller Kelly.

I'm not being defensive at all and don't believe I put words in your mouth. How you feel about Foley possibly equates slightly to how I feel about Kelly (reliable option, doesn't always get the credit he deserves). But mainly I'm just pointing out that there's not much between Foley and Kelly to play right back (or be the primary back up) in my opinion, but moreover Trap has been justified in his approach simply because Kelly has done well.

You've countered that by saying Trap should've blooded Foley because he WAS a prem regular and because he can play at centre mid (or so it appears?). But your argument against Kelly appears based on international performances three years ago (which I find bizarre) and Premiership appearances (more understandable). But being a first-team regular isn't, and shouldn't, be the only criteria for selection.

Moreover your argument for blooding Foley seems pretty speculative. It's based on your opinion (grand) about Foley but I haven't seen anything of him that suggest he's that much better than Kelly. As for him playing in centre mid - I wouldn't play Patrice Evra at centre mid but he's still a world class full-back. In terms of footballing ability Foley in all his games for Ireland hasn't really shown it (he's had a couple of games at centre mid for us too and was tidy on the ball, but no more so than the perennially lambasted Glenn Whelan).

Don't get me wrong - I'm sure he has those skills, but I think they're possibly overstated. But look, we can easily agree to disagree on that count, we obviously have different opinions on Foley. It's all irrelevant anyway. I just think it's churlish to give off about Kelly, and by extension the manager, when the decisions appear to be fairly well justified.


Most of the players you list only had the odd cameo here and there.

Static is the perfect word for Trapattoni's squad development.

How? In just the last year Coleman, Forde, Ward, McCarthy, Fahey, Cox and Walters have become squad regulars. Others have flitted in and out, but will likely come back in to the reckoning. Considering we're Ireland (not got dozens of playing options), how is that static?

[Irwin3]

Then again, could Foley play centre half in an qualifier for Ireland. Hardly.

However, I do think Foley is a decent full back. What goes against him, in Traps eyes, is his physique. He is smaller and lighter than Kelly. He is also a lot more attack minded than Kelly, something which Trap might not perceive as a good quality.

Nice summation. I guess it would be nice to have two options instead of just focusing on the defensive.

[Stuttgart88]

Trap is definitely very cautious when it comes to allowing full backs license to go forward. Too cautious for my liking, esp at home.

I can't agree that the squad is static. 18 months ago, maybe, but not now.

[Irwin3]

The putting words in mouth thing. You said I'm basing my opinion on Kelly on a performance from 3 years ago when I've never mentioned this. Prior to some decent performances this year seeing Kelly's name on the teamsheet had me very worried. I'd hardly say I was giving off about Kelly. I came in to the thread to defend Foley. I believe I made a case that Foley should have been given more of a chance over the last few years. Nothing would please me more than Kelly having a couple of stormers and helping us to qualify

[Stuttgart88]

Fair points. I think Trap was slow to introduce Foley too. He could have been tried at least a year earlier. That said, when he got his chance he didn't impress me. I was keen to see him do well and would have given him the benefit of any doubt, but I don't think his performances warranted such benefit. I can't say I don't have concerns about Kelly (or nearly eveyone in our squad!) but he's been doing fine. I think he's on a bit of a roll right now and we'll benefit.

[the bear]

foley has impressed me playing for wolves especially last season, he is a more talented player than kelly. he got his chance in the irish team but didn't take it. looked a bag of nerves. therefore kelly is quite rightly ahead of him in the pecking order

[SwanVsDalton]

The putting words in mouth thing. You said I'm basing my opinion on Kelly on a performance from 3 years ago when I've never mentioned this.

Well...


Kelly's done ok recently but don't be fooling yourself. For YEARS I dreaded seeing him on the pitch for Ireland. There was poor performance after poor performance. On top of this he became a PL reserve yet somehow he stayed first choice backup through it all.


Kelly's only here because he always turns up.


How many times did Kelly 'fall asleep' during his first 20 caps?

Your feelings on Kelly appear entirely based on how he did in early Irish career. You didn't get specific, in fairness, on a particularly time, it was me who brought up three years ago, but that's simply because I don't think Stephen has let us down in a long while, despite his limitations.

Look if you're arguing about Foley getting less opportunity, I think you're ignoring other factors. Kelly has been around since the Stan days, when he was a PL regular, he's been playing top flight football for a long time. He hasn't played as regularly as Foley in recent years, but you don't simply discard players because of that (in the same way Trap would be wrong to discard Foley if he fails to break back into the Wolves team).

Moreover you're saying Kelly had more opportunities which, on paper, is true. But by my count Kelly's only made seven competitive starts compared to Foley's one - two came under Stan, and two came in the last couple of months. Trap gave him more games, particularly off the bench, probably because he trusted his due to his experience, which overall is fair enough given the manager was fairly new to the squad.

But more importantly Trap threw the whole thing open to Foley in the last year. In that time in all Irish games, Kelly's played 652 minutes and Foley's played 458. That's roughly two games difference, which I think Foley's injuries even out a little. So the difference in game time in the near past isn't so great simply because Trap grew to trust Foley more (symptomatic of his generally more relaxed approach to team/squad selection over the last year or so).

He even gave Foley an opportunity straight in at right-back against Macedonia and, unfortunately, it didn't come off for him. Who knows if more caps would've helped, but it's unfair to suggest Kelly had chance after chance - Kelly was a part of the squad Trap inherited and a player Trap was always going to turn to initially.

Foley's unlucky in the sense the squad is far more competitive but it seems redundant to compare that with Kelly's early career. I'd rather the squad was this competitive and I'd rather a player prove themselves in crucial qualifiers, like Foley had the chance to do.

But I'm sure he'll be back - and if he's the player you think he is (;)) then I'm sure he'll leapfrog whoever's in his way.

[Charlie Darwin]

Right on cue.
No, not right on cue. I'm not using it against him, I'm saying it's irrelevant.

[Irwin3]

Well...







Your feelings on Kelly appear entirely based on how he did in early Irish career. You didn't get specific, in fairness, on a particularly time, it was me who brought up three years ago, but that's simply because I don't think Stephen has let us down in a long while, despite his limitations.

Look if you're arguing about Foley getting less opportunity, I think you're ignoring other factors. Kelly has been around since the Stan days, when he was a PL regular, he's been playing top flight football for a long time. He hasn't played as regularly as Foley in recent years, but you don't simply discard players because of that (in the same way Trap would be wrong to discard Foley if he fails to break back into the Wolves team).

Moreover you're saying Kelly had more opportunities which, on paper, is true. But by my count Kelly's only made seven competitive starts compared to Foley's one - two came under Stan, and two came in the last couple of months. Trap gave him more games, particularly off the bench, probably because he trusted his due to his experience, which overall is fair enough given the manager was fairly new to the squad.

But more importantly Trap threw the whole thing open to Foley in the last year. In that time in all Irish games, Kelly's played 652 minutes and Foley's played 458. That's roughly two games difference, which I think Foley's injuries even out a little. So the difference in game time in the near past isn't so great simply because Trap grew to trust Foley more (symptomatic of his generally more relaxed approach to team/squad selection over the last year or so).

He even gave Foley an opportunity straight in at right-back against Macedonia and, unfortunately, it didn't come off for him. Who knows if more caps would've helped, but it's unfair to suggest Kelly had chance after chance - Kelly was a part of the squad Trap inherited and a player Trap was always going to turn to initially.

Foley's unlucky in the sense the squad is far more competitive but it seems redundant to compare that with Kelly's early career. I'd rather the squad was this competitive and I'd rather a player prove themselves in crucial qualifiers, like Foley had the chance to do.

But I'm sure he'll be back - and if he's the player you think he is (;)) then I'm sure he'll leapfrog whoever's in his way.

During Trap's reign, by my count Kelly has 13 starts plus 4 sub appearances compared to Foley's 4 starts and 3 sub appearances. Clearly one has been given a greater chance. I don't want to repeat myself too much but this was at a time when Kelly became a reserve (2009- ). You highlight the fact the Trap inherited Kelly and I think the fact that he stuck with him so much hightlights the typical static nature of Trap's squad recycling.

5 competitive starts to 1 is still 5 times as many!

You say club appearances are only a factor which is true. However I feel that during this period (2008-2011) we didn't develop Foley enough when his club performances hightlighted a superiority over Kelly's club appearances during this time. This is the past now and due to the injury at Fulham Kelly could be in their starting lineup a lot more in the coming months.

[Irwin3]

No, not right on cue. I'm not using it against him, I'm saying it's irrelevant.

I predicted it, hence right on cue. By saying it's irrelevant you are using it against him. His ability to play there hightlights certain attributes that he has. These attributes make him a different proposition at right back to Kelly.

[Charlie Darwin]

I don't think anybody's questioning that he has different attributes to Kelly? He's a good passer of the ball off both feet but under Trap's system that's not a requirement for a full back. Being quick, strong and disciplined are, and Kelly has all of these over Foley.

[SwanVsDalton]

During Trap's reign, by my count Kelly has 13 starts plus 4 sub appearances compared to Foley's 4 starts and 3 sub appearances. Clearly one has been given a greater chance. I don't want to repeat myself too much but this was at a time when Kelly became a reserve (2009- ). You highlight the fact the Trap inherited Kelly and I think the fact that he stuck with him so much hightlights the typical static nature of Trap's squad recycling.

5 competitive starts to 1 is still 5 times as many!

To say Trap 'stuck' with Kelly is odd. Kelly's there on merit, no? Trap 'stuck' with him initially because he valued trust and experience (still does to a certain extent) but that's only one very close call in a squad which has featured lots and lots and lots of different players and currently looks very different compared to the same squad we had this time last year. I don't think the Kelly/Foley argument really leads on to the Trap conservative squad selection argument.

He has five over three years, two that've come since Foley had his opportunity to nail down right back and three more over three years. It still isn't loads and, fact remains, Foley can only blame himself for not getting more. Again over the last year he's had ample opportunity.

Besides the reason I highlighted the past year in particular is because I don't see the point of taking a three year period in it's entirety - too many different factors. The bottom line is...


You say club appearances are only a factor which is true. However I feel that during this period (2008-2011) we didn't develop Foley enough when his club performances hightlighted a superiority over Kelly's club appearances during this time. This is the past now and due to the injury at Fulham Kelly could be in their starting lineup a lot more in the coming months.

...I just don't see the relevance of this. Foley is a developed full international. Maybe he's not getting the credit you think he should on here, but I think most would agree there's more to come from him. But regardless, he a senior international and very much part of the squad and possibly a first line replacement.

So if Kelly is in on merit, and Foley is a full blooded international, then what's really the argument? You seem to be suggesting Foley would be our nailed on right back (or at least ahead of Kelly) if he had the games Kelly had. And Kelly got a little lucky, because the competitiveness wasn't to the same degree when he was coming through. But players shouldn't expect to get multiple chances at international level if there's four odd players fighting it out for one position. Foley did get his chance and didn't take it. That's not Trap's fault.

And it's a bit skewed to suggest Foley should've got the chance when he was in form - Kelly's done a great job in the last while despite not being a regular at club level. Doesn't he deserve credit for that? Lots of players not ostensibly in form have grasped the opportunity at international level.

Look no one here is writing him off or lambasting him - I think Foley's a fine player with plenty of time on his side. He just didn't take his chance and international level is about fine margins. And this thread is about Stephen Kelly - in the main I think he's a player who doesn't get the credit he deserves and your posts somewhat feed into that feeling.

[CraftyToePoke]

Some nicely argued points there, good reading.

As for Kelly, I thought he was poor tonight, weak in posession, position and to react at times, and Dunne at one stage took up a position very close to him in a passage of play, as though he was anticipating an error from him, expecting it and the need to cover. On another occasion Dunne picked a much more difficult, lower percentage pass rather than lay it fifteen yards to Kelly which was the ball that looked on, and would normally be played. he had to whip it right by Kelly to do this, he didnt trust him with it, it was quite telling.

[SwanVsDalton]

Not sure about him being ignored. He appeared to get a lot of 'out-balls' from Given/Dunne throughout the game. Don't think he always used the ball particularly well, but he was no more guilty of that than Ward and some others. He did OK though not particularly eye-catching. Steady, which he has been recently in general.

[theworm2345]

Solid shift tonight at right back in what I guess was only his second league start of the season (Baird was out for "personal reasons" I guess). Was perhaps a bit fortunate in that he avoided Bellamy and Johnson on the other flank to start but Bellamy did move over to his side and Kelly had very few issues. Was actually pretty quiet but I guess thats good for a defender. The match was pretty awful though on the whole as a spectacle. I must admit I had written him off as crap a few years ago (though, I realize now, I did that with most of the players who came through under Stan) and he's starting to prove me wrong. One critique (not just based on tonight) is that he doesn't get forward particularly well though.

[SwanVsDalton]

I thought tonight was a good game. Scrappy, not great in quality, but plenty of attacking intent from both teams. Liverpool are starting to remind me of a less fluid Arsenal - lovely little interlinking balls in the middle with no end product. Though they were unlucky on a couple of occasions.

As for Kelly, had a decent game. Not easy going up against Bellamy and also Jose Enrique (Kelly made a great block in the second half when Enrique hit the byline). Defended very well in general. Think he also slung in one really great cross which Skrtel diverted behind? But yeah, he's not the most natural attacker but, in terms of Ireland, not sure we've had a comfortable attacking right back in years - Finnan was decent at it but still not particularly fluid going forward. Coleman would be the big hope in that regard.

[dr_peepee]

Kelly will be a huge asset given the quality of our opposition in the Euros...At this point he'd be my first choice RB for those games.

[Kingdom]

not sure we've had a comfortable attacking right back in years - Finnan was decent at it

It's hard when you're constantly picked at right midfield and left back

[SwanVsDalton]

It's hard when you're constantly picked at right midfield and left back

True nuff.

[Philly]

Despite being a boring one to follow, SK seems to be doing well lately. Getting his game in a Fulham team that is turning things around. He could well end up being the wild card that makes it into the team in Polkraine.

[DannyInvincible]

Hasn't Kelly's been a regular part of Trap's selections even when on the sidelines with Fulham? He was captain in the Uruguay friendly. Trap obviously likes him so I'd say the chances of him being dropped for the finals are pretty slim.

[Colbert Report]

O'Shea can't play right back anymore, at least Martin O'Neill seems to think so, so Kelly is all that stand between McShane being in the team. None of us want that.

[Charlie Darwin]

Huh? O'Neill doesn't seem to think that at all. O'Shea is playing centre half because he's a centre half. He was playing right full because Sunderland only have one right full and he plays left full for some reason.

[SolitudeRed]

O'Shea can't play right back anymore, at least Martin O'Neill seems to think so, so Kelly is all that stand between McShane being in the team. None of us want that.
well there are other options at rb how bout foley from wolves who has played there before. also marc wilson from stoke is pretty versatile and can play there too. kelly is definately up there for trap though and tbf to mcshane he did well enough in the nations cup games

[Stuttgart88]

I saw Kelly on TV last night. His delivery led to Zamora's winner but a couple of earlier crosses weren't great. Arsenal roasted Fulham for large parts of the first half but Walcott's lack of a football brain was shown up. Kelly wasn't exactly at fault as Arsenal were on the front foot and most openings came down Riise's side. In the second half Fulham took the game to Arsenal and whilst Kelly wasn't exactly causing any trouble he intelligently interlinked with this right midfielder (name?) and did the simple stuff well throughout. Solid enough showing.

Some of our less heralded players (Kelly, Ward, Whelan, Clark...) have actually done well against good opposition lately.

[the bear]

I saw Kelly on TV last night. His delivery led to Zamora's winner but a couple of earlier crosses weren't great. Arsenal roasted Fulham for large parts of the first half but Walcott's lack of a football brain was shown up. Kelly wasn't exactly at fault as Arsenal were on the front foot and most openings came down Riise's side. In the second half Fulham took the game to Arsenal and whilst Kelly wasn't exactly causing any trouble he intelligently interlinked with this right midfielder (name?) and did the simple stuff well throughout. Solid enough showing.

Some of our less heralded players (Kelly, Ward, Whelan, Clark...) have actually done well against good opposition lately.

gervinho and walcott look really dangerous until they get clear of the last man and get a nose bleed, if van persie has an off day arsenal will struggle

great to see stephen getting a run in the team, has duffer just fallen behind ruiz in the pecking order? wouldn't mind if they just rapped him in bubble wrap and left him on the bench for the rest of the season really

[Colbert Report]

No no, Duff was injured and he's being slowly eased back into the team.

[Charlie Darwin]

Back from injury and straight into the starting 11 alongside Duff. Fulham 1-0 up at Anfield.

[geysir]

The crowd are so quiet at Anfield that you can hear the players shouting, you can even hear the Fulham supporters.
Kelly just took a good long throw in, I guess that mean the wrist is doing grand.
He's playing well (in the 10 minutes I've been watching)

[Carrigaline]

Thought Kelly had an excellent game for Fulham. Other than one silly free that he gave away at the end of the match, he had Maxi in his pocket for the entire game. On the ball, he was very confident, even with Liverpool players closing him down, he passed his way out of the pressure. Easy to see that he was once a Spurs player. Going forward he was decent (not spectacular) linking up well with Duff. Surely the right back position is his?

[Irwin3]

Still gives the ball away far too much for me.

@Carrigaline. Are you moving O'Shea somewhere?

[paul_oshea]

To left back.
?!
He has never been good for us there but he is better than the other options there.

[Charlie Darwin]

Signed a new two-year deal at Fulham: http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2012/0724/330446-kelly-commits-to-cottagers/

[EastTerracer]

Noely's Guitar posted the snippet about Duff's retirement in the Germany thread but the SIndo's full interview with Kelly is very interesting
http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/driven-to-be-best-he-can-be-3251518.html

[Stuttgart88]

Kelly and Andrews really strike me as top blokes with their heads screwed on. Both can go far after their playing careers if they want to.

If only they had Stephen Ireland's talent!

[Carrigaline]

Before the European Championships, he broke his wrist. He knew what Trap could be like with injuries so he wanted to manage the news. "I didn't want the manager to find out I'd broken a bone. If the manager gets something in his head, it's in his head. He can be black and white with certain injuries so I didn't want to release it until I was back playing."Interesting comment.