Kelly eyes more goals

DEAN Kelly hopes to quickly add to his first goal in an Athletic shirt.

The Dublin-born striker netted the team’s fourth in injury time as nine-man Plymouth finally succumbed at Boundary Park. Report and more reaction on Pages 34-35.

With a game of big significance against Rochdale taking place at Spotland tomorrow night, the 24-year-old believes that powerful header can spur him on.

“It means a lot to me,” said Kelly, a former Irish amateur international who scored 35 goals for Crumlin United last season.

“I checked my telephone right after the game and had about 20 missed calls already.

“I am delighted with my first goal and hopefully I can carry on and get more now.

“I feel very sharp. The gaffer has told me to be patient and I have been.”

Kelly has plenty of competition for a spot up front and is taking heed of his manager’s wisdom when it comes to the art of forward play.

“He gives me lots of advice,” Kelly said of Athletic boss Paul Dickov.

“He doesn’t want you smashing the ball, but basically passing the ball into the goal.

“It is definitely about confidence and if you are not doing it, he will tell you.

“As a striker and a manager Paul Dickov has been brilliant for me.”