The new legislation states that top flight clubs must name eight players in their 25-man squads who have been trained in either England or Wales, in a bid to encourage youth development within the highest level of the game.
Liverpool's capture of England international Joe Cole in addition to the crop of players brought up through the club's academy ranks has helped them meet the new criteria.
Kelly, a graduate from the Reds' centre of excellence, feels that home-grown youngsters should be given a chance to prove their worth alongside their foreign counterparts.
Under the new rule, top-flight clubs must name a squad of 25 players of whom eight must have been trained in England or Wales, and an unlimited number of under-21 players will also be allowed.
He said: "I think some of the home-grown players of the past have helped, especially the local lads.
"But I think it's right that most of the England players should be given the opportunity because we're just as good as the foreigners that are getting brought in.
"If you're not good enough it'll show when you play so it's good that something like this is being brought in."
Kelly, who deputised at left-back during Liverpool's Europa League win over FK Rabotnicki last night, has been called up to the England under-21 squad for next season's friendly with Uzbekistan after recovering well from persistent injury which hindered him last season.
The 20-year-old is hoping that his prolonged days on the sidelines are over but is refusing to entertain premature talk of becoming a regular starter ahead of the Reds' opening Premier League game with Arsenal in nine days' time.
"I think at the minute I have to take my chances as they come," he added.
"Last season I was unlucky not to get an England call up because I had my setbacks with injury but I've had a good pre-season and the opportunity's come around again so I can't wait to take that.
"The other players will be on international duty so we'll all come back together and get ready for the Arsenal game.
"We've had a good pre-season with the new medical staff and I think we all feel better. I've been staying in extra hours working on stability and it seems to be going well, touch wood."
No comments:
Post a Comment