Martin Kelly : Is He Our New Right Back, Liverpool's Solution To Defensive Woes?

Liverpool may have not put in the best of performances against Wigan, but there are some positives to take away from the match.

The recent resurgence of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres has been the catalyst for the Reds in the last five games. The dynamic duo combined, yet again, to score Liverpool's only goal of the match and a masterclass it was.

Another positive from the match is how young 20 year old Martin Kelly has settled in the Liverpool line-up, in his first two Premier League starts.

He put up a brave show against champions Chelsea last Sunday in the 2-0 win and maintained his momentum with another impressive display against Roberto Martinez's Wigan side.

He has surely got Glen Johnson to thank for, as he had to deputise after Johnson picked up a groin injury. Vice captain Jamie Carragher was initially the man Roy Hodgson had placed his trust on to play in right back, but Roy seems to have a change of mind now. And lucky enough for Roy, his move is paying off.

Many forums around the net have given their thumbs up to Kelly and many fans have actually called upon Kelly to be installed as permanent right back in the Liverpool lineup.

They feel that such a move can be beneficial for Liverpool, as Kelly is more defensive minded compared to Johnson, who is always thinking about building up an attack and leaving far too much space in the right side of the pitch for opponents to run into and create goal-scoring chances.

I have long believed in such a move, as noted in my previous article. I actually said that Kelly should play in right back and Glen Johnson play in right wing for the Merseyside derby against Everton.

Kelly may be young and inexperienced, but he surely has got what it takes to be a regular fixture in Roy's lineups.

Standing at 1.91m (6ft 3in), he is the second tallest player in the Liverpool squad. The tallest being Greek defender Sotiros Krygiakos. With that advantage, he should be a constant threat in the air and should be attempting to score some goals for himself from set-pieces.

Just recently, Kelly was called up in the England Under-21 squad to face Germany next week. The youngster won his first and only cap so far in a friendly with Uzbekistan in August, a game in which he also scored.

Put in more good performances, like he did against Chelsea and Wigan, and Fabio Capello may decide to ring him in for a senior call-up.

What do you guys think? Is Martin Kelly up for the challenge? Please share your thoughts.

Fun fact :  27 April 1990 was the day Martin Kelly was born into this world. Amazingly enough, that was one day before Liverpool clinched their 18th title, their last so far. Wow!!