Liverpool defender Martin Kelly has revealed the thought of returning for Jamie Carragher‘s final match at Anfield is providing extra motivation during his comeback from injury.
The 22-year-old is approaching the end of an extended period on the sidelines after suffering an ACL rupture against Manchester United in September last year.
Kelly’s recuperation is progressing well and with Carragher’s send-off now just two months away, the Reds’ No. 34 has not ruled out a return before 2012-13 concludes.
“It’s a big incentive to be part of that day, whether it’s playing or not,” he told Liverpoolfc.com. “To be there while it’s Jamie’s last game — after he’s played so many for the club — I’m sure it will be an emotional day for him and all the fans.
“I’m at the point now where I’ve been outside for the past few weeks and getting to do little ball drills and stuff without the ball — it’s really promising for me at the moment and the medical staff are doing really well with my rehab.
“For the first five months I took a lot of time in the gym trying to remold my body to make sure I can cope with the demands of football. To get outside and do what I love doing, start touching the ball again — even at a low level — was fantastic for me.
“It’s tough going from training every day to not doing much, but I’m really looking forward to getting back fit and playing with the team again.
“I’m getting stronger and stronger each day. I can only go as fast as my knee is telling me to do — with a rehab like this, if your knee swells up from something you’ve done outside you’ve got to relax and take your time, then start up again.
“We’ve had no setbacks so it’s looking really promising.”
