Bruce Sings Kelly's Praises

Steve Bruce has expressed his delight at the capture of former Spurs right back Stephen Kelly.

Speaking to the press following the signing, Bruce heaped on the praise and said he expected the same kind of form and return from Kelly that he got from Upson when he signed from Arsenal.

'I like the way Stephen plays and I like his approach to the game, he's aggressive, very quick and athletic and he's hungry to do well.

'He's played almost 50 games for Tottenham and he's more than held his own in the Premier League. But he's got a bit frustrated there and he reminds me a lot of Matthew Upson in that he had the same problem.

'Matt had a taste of it at Arsenal but in the end knew he had to leave, and he's done himself a power of good. Stephen has never quite broken into the Tottenham team, he's never had a decent run of it to prove himself.

'By coming here, he knows that he's going to get a chance and that he will be an important player for us. Matt relished that kind of opportunity and responsibility and I'm sure it will be the same with Stephen. The good thing is that he wanted to join and prove himself with us.

Kelly caught Brucies eye in the game between the two sides when the 22 year old scored against Blues.

'He impressed me that day and he took his goal very well. I think it's well known now the kind of players we want at this club and Stephen fits the bill. You do need one or two with experience, of course, but we have identified the need to rebuild with young, energetic players who have that desire and determination to do well.

'He can play anywhere across the defence, which could come in useful.

'I'm sure our supporters will relate to that and the way we are going about giving them a new-look team.'

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