Martin Kelly

[danperkins]

One game is not form. Kelly shouldn't be rush into being first choice, he should be allowed to develop with out forcing him, that could be detrimental to his long term development.

He's been good in almost every game he's played for the first team, this isn't his first good performance at the top level Matt.

Kelly got special mention from Kenny, so hopefully he keeps his place ahead of Johnson, and deservedly so.

[Shaggy]

Very excited about Kelly. Immense today. He's put in some stinkers of late and will put plenty more in, but I hope people are patient with him if, as is likely, he doesn't prove to be an instant Paolo Maldini.

[Craig_H]

One game is not form. Kelly shouldn't be rush into being first choice, he should be allowed to develop with out forcing him, that could be detrimental to his long term development.

I would actually keep Kelly in for the Blackpool game, no reason to drop him.

But i dont agree with the idea that he is 'too good to drop' or other similar exaggerations.

The lad has played less than 20 first team games, people are getting far too carried away too early. Looks a very good prospect though, for sure.

[Craig_H]

He's been good in almost every game he's played for the first team, this isn't his first good performance at the top level Matt.

Kelly got special mention from Kenny, so hopefully he keeps his place ahead of Johnson, and deservedly so.

That's just it though - he hasnt. He's been good a few times, been decent most of the time, and had a couple of stinkers. People get too carried away, too soon.

[Red_Polo]

I would actually keep Kelly in for the Blackpool game, no reason to drop him.

But i dont agree with the idea that he is 'too good to drop' or other similar exaggerations.

The lad has played less than 20 first team games, people are getting far too carried away too early. Looks a very good prospect though, for sure.

'No reason to drop him' vs 'too good to drop'

To-may-toe, to-mah-toe

Let's call the whole thing off

[Craig_H]

I was taking 'too good to drop' as a permanent-basis comment.

No reason to drop him because he's had a good game and Johnson's form has been poor.

[Red_Polo]

He's too good and too useful to drop now. Sell Konchesky and move Johnson to left back or move Johnson to the right wing.

There is no good reason to keep Johnson at RB now as he's so far failed in that position

Poster did say 'now', in fairness. Can't see cause to quibble there.

The hammering of Johnson on the other hand...worth it's own thread.

[Craig_H]

Yeah, i missed the 'now' to be honest.

I'd definitely keep Kelly in, for sure. I'm equally aware that he could easily be very close to his next mistake, where the kneejerk thing will jump on him

[kris90210]

I'd like to see him start the next match - he deserves the chance to steak a claim in the first team. I'd also be very interested to see how Johnson would do on the wing. Surely it's worth a try at least.

[Craig_H]

I'd like to see him start the next match - he deserves the chance to steak a claim in the first team. I'd also be very interested to see how Johnson would do on the wing. Surely it's worth a try at least.

Would that claim come in the form of a sirloin or rump?

[Rich]

Obviously he's a better defender than Johnson. Needs to play a decent number of games at RB and perhaps some game time along side Agger if the situation is favourable to ease him slowly into a CB spot.

[kris90210]

Would that claim come in the form of a sirloin or rump?

haha - oops!

But seeing as you're asking... fillet

[The Erectile Banana]

Would that claim come in the form of a sirloin or rump?

T-Bone baby.

Kelly was immense today - definite MOTM. He should keep his place for the Blackpool game. I agree with those who are saying he needs to be eased in gently though. I don't think he's quite ready to be a first team regular but he's a valuable squad member who can play across the back four. If he fulfils his potential he'll be a regular in our defence for the next 10 years plus.

[Tribute]

Kelly's performance was excellent today - great effort. I'd start him for a couple of games to get more experience but then stick him on the bench, keeping him involved and around the rest of the first team. He'll soon mature in attitude and experience, just like Carra did all those years ago. Didn't Carra also start off as RB once he broke into the first tea, only later moving into the CB berth alongside Sami?

Seems like the perfect way to ease Kelly in...

[MrMichael]

Carra actually started off as a defensive midfielder (played there a bunch of times for England U21's) but yeah, he played RB for several years for us (and had a season where he mostly played at LB iirc).