Graham Kelly (footballer, born 1997)


Graham Kelly is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for NIFL Premiership side Larne. He has represented the Republic of Ireland at under-18 and under-19 level.
He began his career at Sheffield United, where he made his senior debut on April 2016. He played on loan at Stalybridge Celtic later in the year, before he was transferred to Port Vale in June 2017. He played on loan at Bradford Park Avenue and Southport during the 2017–18 season. He joined Northern Irish side Larne in August 2018 and helped the club to win the NIFL Championship title in 2018–19.

Club career

Sheffield United

Kelly came through the Academy at Sheffield United to make his senior debut for the "Blades" as a late substitute for Matt Done in a 3–1 defeat to Coventry City at the Ricoh Arena on 30 April 2016. He joined Stalybridge Celtic of the National League North on loan in August 2016. He made ten appearances for the "Celts" over a five-week stay at Bower Fold.

Port Vale

Kelly signed a one-year contract, with the option for a second year, at newly relegated EFL League Two club Port Vale in June 2017. He said he was looking forward to working with manager Michael Brown and being reunited with former Sheffield United coach Chris Morgan. On 8 September 2017, he joined National League North side Bradford Park Avenue on a one-month loan after manager Mark Bower needed cover for the injured Shane Killock, Matt Hill and Luca Havern. He scored his first goal in senior football in his final appearance for Avenue, after combining well with Oli Johnson in a 2–0 win over Brackley Town at the Horsfall Stadium. On 26 January 2018, he joined Kevin Davies's National League North side Southport on loan until the end of the 2017–18 season. He recovered from a car accident on the M6 motorway to make a total of 11 appearances for the "Sandgrounders". Upon his return to Vale Park he was informed by manager Neil Aspin that he would not be retained beyond the summer.

Larne

On 2 August 2018, Kelly joined NIFL Championship side Larne. He established himself in the side as a left-sided centre back in the club's favoured three at the back formation, as Larne went on to win the 2018–19 NIFL Championship. He made 27 appearances before the 2019–20 season was ended early due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Ireland.

International career

Kelly won four caps at for the Republic of Ireland at both under-18 and under-19 level, and scored for the under-19s against Latvia in November 2015.

Career statistics

Honours

;Larne