Martin Kelly is hoping to fulfil a childhood ambition and lift the FA Cup with Liverpool.
Defender wants to fulfil childhood ambition of lifting the FA Cup
Martin Kelly is hoping to fulfil a childhood ambition and lift the FA Cup with Liverpool.
The 21-year-old has started both of the Reds' fixtures in the competition this season against Oldham and Manchester United.
And now the Merseyside born defender is looking to help Liverpool knock out Brighton on Sunday and reach the quarter-finals of the cup.
Kelly told
Liverpoolfc.tv: "Growing up as a kid, you ask any kid, the FA Cup is massive and everyone wants to get to the final and win it.
"It's got such a tradition and I think the FA Cup is fantastic.
"For a young player like myself it's fantastic to play in and we would love to go all the way in the competition this year.
"I remember watching Liverpool win the FA Cup on the television and we would love to win it again.
Fantastic
"It was brilliant to play in the last round against Manchester United and it was a fantastic day.
"I played against them last year at Old Trafford in the FA Cup, which was special for me as well as it's every lad's dream growing up to play against your rivals and try and put on a good display.
"It was fantastic to beat United in the last round but that's gone now and the next game is the most important one against Brighton.
"I am just privileged whenever I get the chance to play for this team from the boss, and all I can do is show what I'm capable of when I do get a start and keep working as hard as possible."
Tough
Kelly and Liverpool already have cup experience of Brighton this year, having secured a 2-1 win at the Amex Stadium in the third round of the Carling Cup in September.
He added: "They were tough to play against and I like their style of play because they like to play football. They have decent wingers and it was a difficult night for us, but we managed to get through.
"It will be a different test against them at Anfield. We will have the pressure on us with playing at home and we will show Brighton respect. They are a good side and we have got to be at our best.
"It's about what we do on the day though, and we have to take what we do in training onto the field and win the game.
"For any team, coming to Anfield should be like a cup final. We have such a good stadium and a great tradition and credit to Brighton for getting to this stage.
"I'm sure their manager will be telling them anything can happen in the FA Cup, that's why this competition is so good. We have to be at our best and hopefully we'll get the right result.
"As I said though, the most important thing is what we do ourselves. We are Liverpool Football Club and we have to show our crowd what we are made of and put on a good display for our fans."
