Bristol City midfielder Liam Kelly eyes a return to first-team action in March. please log in to view this image LIAM Kelly is targeting an early March return in a bid to help Bristol City retain their League One status. Forced to watch the Robins battle relegation from the sidelines after rupturing a cruciate ligament last summer, the 25-year-old midfielder is desperate to play some part in the final two months of the campaign. And having undergone a long and sometimes painful rehabilitation over the past six months, he is ready to force his way back into the first-team reckoning. Kelly yesterday took another step on the road to recovery when continuing his playing comeback in an FA Under-21 Development League fixture against Cardiff at City's Failand training headquarters. Starting his second under-21 game in eight days, the midfielder played 63 minutes of the 2-2 draw and came through unscathed. Although his is still some way short of full match fitness, he is confident he will be in a position to press for inclusion in the first-team squad within the next fortnight. "I think early March is a realistic target," said Kelly. "I've had a couple of games now and I'm feeling pretty good in myself. I'm not properly sharp yet and there is still a way to go, but I reckon I'll be ready after another couple of run outs in the under-21s." Kelly's return to action has come ahead of schedule and the midfielder is grateful to Dr Jonathan Webb, who operated on him in Bristol last August. He said: "Jonathan Webb has an excellent track record and has performed these procedures with a number of rugby players in the past. "I cannot thank him enough. Some players are out for up to a year with this kind of injury and to be back playing within six months bears testament to his skill. "You don't realise how much you miss playing football until you are no longer able to do it and it has been a long, lonely road back to fitness. I would not have been where I am now without Jonathan Webb and the club's medical staff, all of whom have helped me to come back quickly." Kelly is now looking forward to playing some part in the final third of City's season. He said: "This is the first time I've had an injury as serious as this and it has been frustrating. I've sat in the stands and watched the last four home games and I cannot wait to get back out there and join in. "We're in a real fight near the wrong end of the table and I just want to do my bit for the team and to help us climb the table." Stephen Pearson's comeback has been put on temporary hold, however, after he suffered a cricked neck. An unused substitute in last week's 3-1 win at Leyton Orient, the Scot was forced to drop out of the squad when suffering spasms in his neck before Saturday's home game against Tranmere Rovers. Despite being earmarked to play in yesterday's Under-21 game, the former Derby County midfielder had not recovered sufficiently. But the problem is not thought serious and Pearson could still be available for selection for Saturday's game at fellow League One strugglers Sheffield United. In yesterday's Under-21 game, Wes Burns scored twice against his former club. The Wales Under-21 international forward joined the Robins after failing to break through at the Cardiff City Stadium and no doubt felt he had a point to prove. He put City in front after just five minutes, converting a Joe Bryan cross after incisive set-up play by Bobby Reid. But Cardiff levelled matters three minutes into the second half, Rhys Healey scoring from close-range at the back post. Dane Griffiths finished off a swift counter-attack to put the Welsh side in front for the first time 15 minutes later. But Burns restored parity from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute after midfielder Gus Mafuta had been brought down. Bristol City: Richards; Wynter, Carey, Fontaine, Hall; Mafuta, Reid, Kelly; Burns, Krans, Bryan. Read more: http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristo...tory-20648087-detail/story.html#ixzz2tfG1ra1J
I hope he's not being rushed back for the sake of it as he could do lasting damage if he's not fully recovered or fit Having said that, the sooner he is back in the team the better it will be
Well we were told after Christmas, Then we were told he might not play again this season. If he is ready for next month then get him in! Just what we need now Marv is Injured and Wade will son be off. Team for when he's fit again Moore Osborne Flint Williams Waggy Kelly Reid Cunningham JET Barnett Baldock
Good news for Liam, City and the supporters. By the way, the surgeon Dr Jon Webb played rugby as a full back for Bristol and England in the 70's.
I would play Bobbie Reid in place of JET with Pack as the holding midfielder. But I believe that sooner rather than later, SC will go 4-4-2 in place of 3-5-1.
I THINK ANY TEAM will have el abd and ossy at back plus flint and Williams mid field 2 from 3 or 4 Kelly and waggy attack baldie Barnett / or fill in the rest as you wish!
I'd stick JET on the bench for a few games and see if he is more use as an impact player coming on as a sub, as he's certainly not cutting the mustard when he starts games for us at the moment
A back 4 of Osborne - Flint - El Abd - Williams Fairly decent defensively (though we still let in 2 goals) but hardly the most creative full backs you will ever see?
Agree but we were looking a lot more solid before his arrival, I thought he would be the experienced rock we've been craving but he is no better than the 3 we already had...
I remember a Brighton fan came on OTIB once (long before we were interested in him) and said he's the best Right back in their clubs history!! Al abd is probably a great player, we're just a footballing graveyard
I wouldn't expect Kelly is gonna be able to come back in after such a serious injury and be the difference to keep us up, he was getting the 'not all that' criticism last season from our more knowledgeable fans. He really started to settle down and look good in pre season friendlies after a proper pre season with us.! Perhaps we could maybe extend a similar courtesy to El Abd..
Perhaps, but right now we need battle hardened, in-form players who are playing out of their skins. Neither Adb or Kelly fit that description. There is too much at stake to risk a player coming back from serious injury, and it might not be good for him long term to throw himself into a relegation scrap. Really bad things can happen to players in those circumstances
Got to be honest I rate Kelly but I think bringing him back too soon could damage him or at least get Redprint on his back because I can't see him being totally match fit until next season.
