Liverpool's young defender Martin Kelly admits he's thrilled with his progress this season.

"This season has been great for me and I'm just glad to be playing football again after the problems I had with my back," Kelly told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"When I was at the Academy I fractured both sides of my back which was such a terrible time for me.

"I had great support from my family and friends. All the staff at the Academy were brilliant and kept my spirits up. They said it's just a matter of time before I will be back and don't rush it.

"I have a lot to thank Steve Heighway for. He was great with me and he always kept telling me I would be back."