ALAN KELLY-Current Domestic Club,Blackburn Rovers Football Club
The son of former Ireland goalkeeper, Alan Kelly Senior, and brother of 'B' international goalkeeper, Gary, Alan comes from a long goalkeeping tradition. He began his career at Preston, but moved to Sheffield United in 1992. Some terrific performances for the Blades saw him called up by Jack Charlton and he made his debut against Wales at Tolka Park in 1993
The Republic of Ireland international has found himself on the bench more often than not, due to the arrival of Brad Friedel last season.
Alan Kelly looked the part when Packie Bonner began to wind his international career down. The Sheffield United netminder had done his apprenticeship and seemed destined to take over the most difficult job in the Irish team. That was in 1996 when the Irish bid to qualify for the European Championship finals in England collapsed at Anfield against the Dutch.
Kelly's future looked bright and coming behind him, a young man named Shay Given was still nothing more than a various promising prospect.
How things have changed. A series of injuries, most notably a back problem, have hampered Kelly's bid to nail down the Irish goalkeeping spot.
Kelly prides himself on his shot-stopping ability but he's also an excellent goalkeeper for defenders. Alan was on the Teamsheet for our most recen 2-0 win over the russians at Landsdowne 13/02/02'. However he had to withdraw through injury(that back again)!Alan made his debut against Wales at Tolka Park in 1993.
Position: Goalkeeper
Born: 11 August 1968
Place of Birth: Preston
Height: 6 Foot 2 "
Weight: 12 Stone 5 lb's
Previous Clubs: Preston,Sheffield United,(01-02 loan spells with Stockport and Birmingham)
Caps: 34
Goals for Republic of Ireland:
Last cap v Croatia, Lansdowne Road, 15/8/01
Other current news.
Alan Kelly announced on 17/06/02 that he retired from International Football.
Link to other relevant football website(s)
Blackburn Rovers Football Club Website
