Forest Green boss Robbie Savage produced a touching moment after Kyle Kelly’s debut goal by directing the Liverpool loanee towards the stands to celebrate with his parents.
Kelly, who joined Rovers on loan until January, marked his first senior appearance for the club by finding the net in the 5-1 pre-season defeat to Championship side Cardiff City. Despite the result, the 20-year-old described it as a “dream debut” and revealed Savage made sure the moment became even more memorable.
“It was my mum and dad. He knew where they were sitting, so I went over,” Kelly said. “It was nice to share that moment with my family.”
The celebration carried special significance for the youngster, who was making his first senior appearance.
“They’ve helped me all through my life, youth career. It’s my first bit of senior taste of football, so it was great to share the moment with them.”
Reflecting on his debut, Kelly admitted it could hardly have gone much better personally.
“It was a dream debut for me really. Just even to get on the scoresheet. I helped the team and the fans are brilliant, so I enjoyed it a lot.”
Before sending him on, Savage kept his instructions simple.
“He was just saying just enjoy it. That’s what he wanted me to do. Go and enjoy it. He was telling me to go in and make an impact and that’s all I tried to do.”
Kelly admitted his only aim after coming off the bench was to make a positive impact.
“That’s all I wanted to do really. I wanted to come on, I wanted to make an impact and try to help the team.”
Describing his goal, he smiled: “I just hit it. I hit it and hoped and luckily it went in. I’m thankful to help the team and get us a goal.”
The midfielder also revealed he has settled into life at The New Lawn immediately thanks to his new teammates.
“All the lads have been brilliant. They’ve been really welcoming and that’s probably why I looked like myself on the pitch already, so I’m grateful for the lads to make me feel at home so quickly.”
Kelly also revealed former Forest Green loanee James Balagizi played a part in convincing him to make the move from Liverpool.
“James Balagizi talked so highly about the club. When I got here, I knew what he was talking about. Everything he was saying is coming to light.”
Looking ahead, the St Kitts and Nevis international says his focus is simply on helping Rovers enjoy a successful season.
“All I want to do is just try to make an impact on the club and on the team and do as best I can to try to help the team do well.”
Although his loan is due to run until January, Kelly insists his attention is firmly on the present.
“I’m just focusing on right now, on the present, and I’m just trying to get ready for the season and help the club.”
