14.08.2014 19:14 h

Eagles swoop for Liverpool defender Kelly

Im Februar 2012 trafen die U21-Teams Englands (mit Martin Kelly, r.) und Belgiens (mit Gianni Bruno) im Rahmen der EM-Qualifikation aufeinander. Es wurde eine einseitige Angelegenheit, England siegte 4:0.
Im Februar 2012 trafen die U21-Teams Englands (mit Martin Kelly, r.) und Belgiens (mit Gianni Bruno) im Rahmen der EM-Qualifikation aufeinander. Es wurde eine einseitige Angelegenheit, England siegte 4:0.

Crystal Palace bolstered their squad ahead of the new Premier League season by signing Liverpool defender Martin Kelly on Thursday.

England international Kelly agreed a three-year contract with the Eagles and could make his debut in the club's league opener at Arsenal on Saturday.

The 24-year-old made his Reds debut back in 2009 but found first-team opportunities limited, with a serious knee injury also ruling him out for a year.

Kelly, who can play at right-back and centre-back, is reported to have cost £1.5 million ($2.5 million) and becomes Palace's fourth pre-season signing following the acquisitions of Chris Kettings, Fraizer Campbell and Brede Hangeland.

Kelly, a lifelong Liverpool fan, paid tribute to those who allowed him to play at Anfield and is now looking forward to a fresh challenge at Palace.

"I would like to thank all the managers at LFC for making my wish from the age of 7 come true - playing for 1 of the biggest clubs in the world," he tweeted.

"Most of all would like to thank the fans for supporting me since my home debut against Lyon in Oct 2009 even through injuries always by my side.

"Now to start a new chapter of my football career at Crystal Palace a great club with unbelievable fans - excited already for the weekend."