Kettlewell not surprised by interest in ‘top drawer’ Well goalkeeper Kelly

Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell was not surprised to hear about potential interest in Liam Kelly amid reports that Celtic have placed the goalkeeper on a list of summer transfer targets.

But Kettlewell has not given up all hope that the Scotland international could stay at Fir Park beyond the end of his contract this summer.

Kelly is hoping to go to Euro 2024 with Scotland and the 28-year-old will have a major decision to make ahead of next season.

Celtic are in the market for goalkeepers with Joe Hart set to retire and benjamin siegri st tipped to move on. Former Rangers, Livingston and QPR keeper Kelly would add to Celtic's homegrown ranks for European squads if he made the move to Parkhead.

When asked about the reports, Kettlewell said: “You possibly have got a wee bit more information than I have. That's certainly nothing I have spoken to Liam about and I do genuinely speak to him on a daily basis.

“I have trusted Liam and rightfully so, you look at his performances, the numbers he bashes out every season, his availability, his leadership, how good a goalkeeper he is – not just with his feet, but his hands as well – I think he's top drawer.

“He is as good as I have ever come across in terms of the captaincy. If you see how he manages a dressing room and brings a group of players together, it's pretty special.

“What wouldn't surprise me is a goalkeeper of his stature attracting interest.

“Liam would be someone I would love to keep at the club, but there's a number of factors that come into that.

“It could hopefully be a big summer for him potentially as well and we need to wait and see how that goes.

“But interest from other clubs isn't something that has been on the agenda with us.”

Motherwell secured their cinch Premiership safety with a 4-1 win over Livingston last Saturday but there remains uncertainty over the club's ownership amid talks with American TV executive Erik Barmack.

Kettlewell added: “I have spoken to a large number of players about the situation moving forward. I have had to be as active as I possibly can be in the timescales.”