Kelly dreaming of Wembley final

17 February 2012 09:46

Liverpool defender Martin Kelly hopes the FA Cup will allow him the chance to realise a childhood dream and win the final at Wembley.

In recent weeks cup competitions have represented the England Under-21 international's best chance of first-team action, with starts in the last two rounds of the FA Cup. And so he heads into Sunday's visit of Brighton hoping for more pitch time in order to help the team to a second final of the season, having already booked a Wembley appearance against Cardiff in the Carling Cup.

"Growing up as a kid, you ask any kid, the FA Cup is massive and everyone wants to get to the final and win it," he said. "It's got such a tradition and I think the FA Cup is fantastic. For a young player like myself it's fantastic to play in and we would love to go all the way in the competition this year."

He added: "I remember watching Liverpool win the FA Cup on the television and we would love to win it again. It was brilliant to play in the last round against Manchester United and it was a fantastic day.

"It's every lad's dream growing up to play against your rivals and try and put on a good display.

"It was fantastic to beat United in the last round but that's gone now and the next game is the most important one against Brighton.

"I am just privileged whenever I get the chance to play for this team from the boss, and all I can do is show what I'm capable of when I do get a start and keep working as hard as possible."

Kelly was in the team which dispatched the Seagulls in the third round of the Carling Cup at the Amex Stadium and is well aware of the threat their opponents pose.

"They were tough to play against and I like their style of play because they like to play football," he told liverpoolfc.tv. "They have decent wingers and it was a difficult night for us but it will be a different test against them at Anfield.

"We will have the pressure on us with playing at home and we will show Brighton respect."

Source: PA