One of the easiest decisions that Philippe Clement made in the summer was to bring Liam Kelly to Rangers.
Out of contract at Motherwell, the manager knew that he was going to have to replace Robby McCrorie who was seeking first-team football and the chance to play regularly away from Rangers, and the 28-year old Auchenhowie graduate was the perfect replacement.
The squad is stronger for having someone who was a captain at their previous club and who has represented their country at international level – unfortunately, he might not get the chance again despite the door opening at Scotland.
Rangers move all but ends Liam Kelly’s Scotland career
Angus Gunn has withdrawn from the Scotland squad through injury which means that veteran Craig Gordon is most likely to reclaim the number one jersey.
A situation in itself that highlights just how dire the goalkeeping options currently are for Scotland.
Uncapped Jon McCracken at Dundee was in the original squad selection with McCrorie proving that playing regularly has been a benefit as he gets the chance to compete with Gordon.
If Kelly was still at Motherwell, and in form, he would probably be the favourite to assume the role due to his superior experience and status as a club captain.
As it is, he has put club before country and love before recognition.
Kelly happy to dream as Rangers number two in homecoming move
Speaking to the Rangers Youth Development Company via the club’s media team about his time in the academy earlier in the season, Kelly is clearly as big a Bluenose as any of the 50,000 who sit in Ibrox every other week:
“I have played over 300 professional games now and although Jack will get the nod I am just one person away from playing in big European ties and Old Firm games and it was just an opportunity I couldn’t say no to.
“Anyone with a footballing brain can understand that, I can see how close I am to being the goalkeeper for Rangers.
“If Jack wakes up on a matchday and feels unwell I will be in and I’ve worked tirelessly my whole life to give myself the opportunity to try and be in the Rangers first-team.
“Going to Germany in the summer with Scotland was an unbelievable experience and I was grateful to be selected to go.
“I won my first cap against France away in a friendly and they had a full team out.
“They had Mbappe, Dembele, Griezmann, Giroud and a strong team playing so that was some experience.
“Playing in these types of games have made me a much better goalkeeper and it has been brilliant to return here.”
Kelly might yet replace Butland one day, however, Philippe Clement couldn’t ask for a better backup.
A player who loves the club, knows the standards that are demanded, is a positive influence in the dressing room and who comes into work every day with a smile on his face.
It’s not too big a conclusion to draw that the Gers boss could do with more players like Liam Kelly, ready to put service for Rangers before themselves.
