http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/clarke-on-kelly-v-glen-v-flanno Steve Clarke says the competition between Glen Johnson, Martin Kelly and Jon Flanagan for position is great for the club. England right-back Johnson is now fit following a spate of injuries but knows England U21 regular Kelly has been excellent in his absence. And seniority does not guarantee a place on the teamsheet, according to Clarke. "I don't think Glen would expect that and I don't think anybody would expect that," he told Liverpoolfc.tv. "Martin has been in there for most of the season and has done a really good job. Glen knows he'll have to compete for that position and that's what you want, you want competition for every position on the pitch." While Kelly and Johnson are the most senior players battling for a slot on the right side of Kenny Dalglish's defence, it should not be forgotten that 18-year-old Flanagan did a sterling job in that position at the end of last season. The Academy product is also an England U21 regular and was handed a new contract by the club this summer. Clarke's message to him is: "Just keep going, keep doing what you're doing, and make the most of the opportunities that come your way. "Flanno has been excellent, he did a terrific job for the team at the end of last season, no one's forgotten that. He's a young boy and has plenty of time in front of him. His time will come."
Still think Johnson is ahead of the others at this point in time. The only difference is the media and anti johnson fans highlighting every slightest flaw in johnsons game whilst ignoring similar errors by the "youngsters".
It's hard to choose Johnson is the best attacking option while Kelly is a better defender, Flanno is obviously 3rd choice but great cover.
Kelly should have played for England by now, but that idiot Capello thought it makes sense to play Smalling or P. Jones out there instead. OK they did a job out there but no where near the RB quality Kelly had shown. Johnson when fit provides that extra bit of flair in attack though.
Agree 100%. Johnson isn't a bad defender and seems to have improved greatly from when he was playing under Hodgson, a lot like Skrtel. (although Skrtel still can't mark players properly from corners!). Johnson would still be my first choice as he gives that extra dimension going forward. I still think Kelly will be a regular CB in a few more years as his positional play at RB isn't brilliant. He also sometimes looks reluctant to make forward runs when playing little 1-2's.
It'll be interesting if or when Kelly moves to centre back how he plays. He seems to be much more comfortable on the ball than Carra.
Agree with the posters above in that Kelly is a better defender whilst Johnson is more effective going up. Could be a good time to keep Glen as RB and move Kelly into CB.
