Striker happy to be back at ’Stute

The striker scored twice in their 3-0 win at Larne on Saturday, but what will impress the Waterside club’s followers even more is his work ethic.

The 21-year-old also admits that after talking with ‘Stute’s Head of Development Paul Kee, he knew that he has to work hard if he wants to stay in the team.

“I was told that I was going to be coming in and have to work hard for the team, so I was prepared to do that and then I suppose whenever you put in the hard work you get rewarded with your goals, so I was happy with that, on Saturday.

“My main target I suppose is for Institute to stay in the Championship and I’m sure if any goals comes with that then it’s going to be a bonus.”

The ex-Chimney Corner man has worked under Kee before at Drumahoe and he’s delighted to be back at the Riverside Stadium.

“I worked with Keeso and Don Clarke at Maiden City Soccer, whenever I was around 12 years old, then at the end of my spell with Maiden City I played with Institute for around six months before I left, so it’s good to be back.”

Kelly, who only finished playing GAA with Antrim’s Under 21 side recently, is now firmly focusing all his attentions on ‘Stute and he felt with a bit more luck at Inver Park on Saturday, he may have had a hat-trick.

“I play Gaelic with Cargin and then I was playing with Antrim Under 21’s but that’s finished now so I’m going to hopefully see out the rest of the season with Institute.

“I might have scored early on but I’m only coming back to the football, so it was good to get a run out and obviously to cap it off with a couple of goals was good.

“Myself and Joe talked before the game and we just set our task to work hard and maybe score some goals; I got the chances on Saturday, maybe it will be Joe this weekend, but if both of us just keep working hard for the team, then I’m sure the goals will come.

“Everyone needs to keep working together and as Paul (Carlyle) and Allan (Blair) said before the game once we earn the right to play then we can get the ball down and that’s what we’ll have to do in the Loughgall game, but I’m looking forward to playing against them.”