KOP News # 1239

England call for Kelly

Liverpool defender to provide cover for Norway friendly

Last Updated: May 22, 2012 10:07pm

Martin Kelly: Liverpool defender has been called into the England squad for the friendly with Norway

England coach Roy Hodgson has added Liverpool defender Martin Kelly to his squad for Saturday's friendly away to Norway.

Hodgson, who was recently appointed as the long-term successor to Fabio Capello, named his 23-man squad for Euro 2012 last week.

However, three of the seven out-and-out defenders selected in that squad have been given extra time off following Chelsea's UEFA Champions League win over Bayern Munich at the weekend.

Former captain John Terry, Ashley Cole and Gary Cahill will not join up with the England squad until next Tuesday, leaving Hodgson short of options for the game in Oslo.

To provide cover in his ranks, Hodgson has decided to turn to his old club Liverpool by drafting in Kelly for the match with the Norwegians.

Kelly has made 12 appearances in the Premier League this season and has featured 47 times for Liverpool in all competitions since making his debut against PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Champions League in 2008.

The 22-year-old has won six caps for the Under 21s, scoring three times and was also a member of England's squad at the Under 20 World Cup in Egypt in 2009.

The Football Association has confirmed Kelly will return to Liverpool after the Norway fixture, with England then facing Belgium at Wembley on 2nd June.