Lack of action no problem for Kelly ahead of ‘spicy’ start

Kelly joined the Millers on Thursday after a two-week trial with the club. The 32-year-old, who has played 38 times for the Republic of Ireland, left Reading at the end of last season after turning down a new contract.

He believes that Steve Evans and Neil Redfearn swapping roles will add spice to the game.

Kelly said: “It’s a good game to start with. It’s never going to be easy.

“I suppose at the moment there seems to be a bit more between these clubs than there ever has been, with the two managers changing places.

“It’s an interesting one and a great game, if I play, to be involved in.”

The right-back also thinks that he is fit and ready to go at Elland Road, despite spending nearly five months looking for a new club after a few mooted moves failed to pan out.

Kelly played for 90 minutes in a friendly against Manchester City over the international break prior to putting pen to paper. He clearly feels his trial came at the right time for his integration into the side.

He said: “It meant I could come in and train. If there was a Tuesday night game, it would be more difficult to get the proper training sessions in.

“I did a lot of work with the fitness coach from the Ireland team over the last few months. I’m the type of person to push myself, I was not going to let that go.

“I knew that if I signed to a club, I didn’t want to be in for three or four weeks before I was able to play.

“I think that showed last week when I played 90 minutes and I was comfortable, without any problems, no niggles.

“I feel confident I can go right away.”