Kelly on Kolo and debt to Brendan
Martin Kelly intends to spend the upcoming seasons repaying the faith shown by Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers to hand the defender a contract extension during his injury lay-off.
The 23-year-old returned to full training at Melwood for the first time in 10 months earlier this week after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his right knee last September.
Despite that setback, Kelly signed a new deal with the Reds in February 2013 - now he aims to reward the commitment from Rodgers and the club with performances out on the pitch.
"We had been talking about a new contract before I got injured," the defender told the Liverpool Echo.
"I only had 18 months to go so it was great to get that sorted and be able to focus solely on getting fit.
"After starting last season well I think I showed Brendan what I could do. I need to repay the manager by trying my hardest and keeping fit throughout the next four years."
Kelly played seven matches at full-back during the opening months of Rodgers' reign as Liverpool manager, but is keeping his positional options firmly open for the future.
He added: "It's always ideal being able to play in two positions. I love playing right-back but if it came to it I could definitely be a centre-back.
"I feel like I've got all the attributes. All the positional sense was drummed into me when I played there when I was a kid.
"The last time I played in the middle was for England U21s but that's not the same as playing there at club level, where it's much faster. Before that it was just with the Academy.
"It would take time for me to become a Premier League centre-back but I can learn from the experienced defenders we've got here."
The Reds' defensive ranks were bolstered on Tuesday by the confirmed arrival of Kolo Toure on a free transfer; Kelly revealed he has already been impressed by the Ivorian's attributes.
"Kolo seems like a really good addition to the squad. In the sessions we've had he's been talking and organising. I think he will really help in terms of team spirit," the No.34 said.
"We've lost a massive character with Carra hanging his boots up and needed someone to step in with that type of character. Kolo is that kind of leader and will be a great asset."