|
Kelly wants his idol’s shirt  STEPHEN
KELLY sees the departure of his hero Steve Finnan as an opportunity to
become Ireland’s new Mr Consistent.
“He’s been consistent the whole of his career,” said
the Dubliner. “He’s played for Liverpool and won the European
Cup. You kind of think who wouldn’t want to be like that, who wouldn’t
want that kind of career.
“He’s had 50 games for Ireland being consistent every game
— you kind of think if I could do something like that I’d
be happy.”
The early retirement of Finnan and his former mentor at Spurs Stephen
Carr gives Kelly the opportunity to establish himself in his favoured
position of right-back.
“Hopefully it opens the door for players like myself to come in,
get a chance and make a spot like that mine,” he said.
Kelly has seen off two experienced defenders but will now have to fight
for his place with two other young players —Bolton’s Joey
O’Brien and Wolves’ Kevin Foley.
“There are a few young lads of a similar age to me that I’ve
played with underage — I’ll be in competition with them,”
said the 24-year-old with nine Ireland caps to his name.
“It’s not going to be the kind of position that you are going
to walk into — the likes of John O’Shea can play there as
well.”
The thought of playing for Ireland against Brazil in front of a packed
Croke Park fills the Dubliner with emotion.
“It is going to be a fantastic game. Brazil is the kind of game
you dream of as a kid,” said Kelly with feeling.
“Playing against Brazil would be the biggest game of my career so
far and I’d love to play in it.
“It’s a great venue and the history there is amazing. I’ve
been to watch Gaelic there over the years. Being a Dublin fan to be able
to play on that pitch would be just amazing.” |
