Kelly extends Liverpool deal

Martin Kelly has signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool, the club have announced.

The versatile defender has made 54 appearances for Liverpool since making his first-team debut in 2009, although he has been out of action for much of the season after suffering an ACL knee injury in September.

The 22-year-old said his love for the club as a Liverpool supporter was the main drive behind his decision to extend his stay at Anfield.

“I’m delighted to have signed. It means everything to me and my family,” Kelly told the club’s official website.

“I’ve been at Liverpool since I was seven, so it’s in my heart and I love the club.

“When you play in the Liverpool shirt, you have to show the fans what it means. I just love playing and trying my hardest for the supporters and for my family.

“Being a Liverpool supporter myself, it’s brilliant to put the shirt on and I’m doing what I have loved doing since I was a kid. I’m over the moon.

“Today shows the faith that the club have in me and that the hard work I have put in since I was young has paid off. Hopefully I’ll put the injuries behind me.

“We have excellent medical staff here, who are going to work me and keep me on top of my injury. I’ll be coming back even stronger.”

Managing director Ian Ayre believes Kelly’s decision is “fantastic news” for the club and praised the defender’s work rate and determination to break into the first team.

“It’s fantastic news and it runs on from various other players who have committed to us,” Ayre said.

“I think everybody has been starting to see and enjoy Martin’s potential and the work he has showed to get into the first team and these are the things we are looking for.

“He was very unfortunate to get his injury but he has worked very hard with the physios and the medical team and hopefully we’ll see him back soon.

“Signing him up for the long term is very important for us.”