Liam Kelly was born on 23rd January, 1996 in Glasgow, Scotland. He joined the Rangers FC Academy aged ten , and spent twelve years at the club during his first spell.
Kelly spent time on loan at East Fife and Livingston before joining the latter permanently in June 2018, having failed to make a single first team appearance for the Light Blues.
He was signed by Queen’s Park Rangers after just one season at Livingston, from where he moved to Motherwell—initially on loan, and then permanently in 2021. In three years at the North Lanarkshire club, he has accumulated 154 total appearances.
On re-signing for his boyhood club, he said:
“It is unbelievable to be back at Rangers, when I left, I probably never thought I would be back, but I am so delighted to be here. I know the size of the club, I spent 14 years here, so it is a great feeling, and I am looking forward to the new challenge.
“You always have faith in your own ability that you can play at the top level and this club is the highest level. I am joining a really talented group of players and a really talented group of goalkeepers, so I am excited.”
Kelly has represented Scotland at various age groups, and has one international appearance where he made his debut against France in 2023. He was part of the national squad called up for UEFA Euro 2024.
Manager Philippe Clement spoke of his return to the club on 27th June:
“I am delighted we have been able to secure the signing of Liam. We have had some really positive conversations, and he is a goalkeeper with experience in Scotland and in the Scottish Premiership which will be valuable for our squad.
“Under Colin Stewart, we have a really strong goalkeeping department, and the addition of Liam will only further strengthen that as we prepare for the 2024/25 season.”
Kelly will compete with Jack Butland and Robby McCrorie for the goalkeeping position next season, and will hope to add to his international appearances.
“We are thrilled to welcome a goalkeeper with Liam’s experience into our squad,” said Nils Koppen, Director of Football Recruitment. “He is someone who knows the demands of this club and league, and enjoyed a positive past few seasons at Motherwell. It is important we continue to strengthen all aspects of the squad, and it is fantastic we have been able to add Liam to the group.”