Forgotten one-cap England star, 34, returns to football with Gary Neville’s Salford City after 16 months out
MARTIN KELLY is trying to make a comeback at Salford — after 16 MONTHS out of football.
Defender Kelly, 34, is turning out for Karl Robinson following his lengthy absence.
Former Liverpool and Crystal Palace Prem star Martin Kelly has joined Salford City as a free agent
PA:Empics SportKelly has one-cap for England[/caption]
The former Liverpool prospect suffered a knee injury on his loan debut for Wigan last February — but has clawed his way back to full fitness.
But West Brom announced Kelly would be leaving this summer following the conclusion of his contract.
He has therefore joined Salford as a free agent.
Kelly wrote Instagram: “I would like to thank all the fans, staff and players at West Brom for the support throughout the last two seasons.
“Although my time was difficult at times with my knee injury, the staff worked as tirelessly as I did to get back to a place wear I feel back to my optimal fitness.
“Keep having that fantastic togetherness and I’m sure you will be back where you belong in the Premier League.”
Kelly holds the record for the shortest England career ever and will begin plying his trade in League Two.
The defender won just one cap for the Three Lions, coming off the bench against Norway in 2012.
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Having been brought on by Roy Hodgson in the 88th minute, Kelly’s debut officially lasted just two minutes and 39 seconds.
As a result, he currently has the shortest England career ever, one second less than Nathaniel Chalobah.
Elsewhere, Kelly racked up 154 appearances in the Premier League, providing five assists and contributing to 29 clean sheets since 2009.
He left Liverpool for Crystal Palace in 2014 after agreeing a three-year deal worth £2m.
Despite being called up for Euro 2012 to replace Gary Cahill, Kelly did not feature during the tournament and has not played for his country since.
He isn’t the only ex-Anfield star to have joined League Two outfit this season.
Ben Woodburn, the youngest goalscorer in Liverpool’s history, joined Salford following his release from Preston North End this summer.
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