Martin Kelly likely to return for pre-season

Liverpool head of performance Glen Driscoll believes that Martin Kelly will benefit from taking a cautious approach in his recovery from injury.

Kelly has been sidelined since September with a knee injury, and although Driscoll admits that the right-back is progressing well, he believes that the 22-year-old should be targeting a "stronger" return next season.

Driscoll told the club's official website: "Martin is doing extremely well; he's probably at the late stage of his rehab.

"We'll probably look to prioritise getting him back for pre-season 110% fit - 10% fitter, stronger and quicker, more powerful and agile than he was previously.

"He'll probably be in a position where it will be tempting to put him into games again this season. But we want to make sure that he's in a very strong position so he can fly next season."

The England international had made 54 appearances for Liverpool.