Martin Jol has confirmed that Fulham have offered Stephen Kelly an extension to his current contract.
The Irish international has been one of this season’s unsung heroes, making 33 appearances for the Whites and firmly establishing himself as Jol’s first choice at right back. Kelly, previously much more of a squad player who regularly filled in on the other side of the back four, has enjoyed a string of fine performances in the first team after Zdenek Grygera’s unfortunate injury and the Fulham coach is keen to reward the former Birmingham defender, especially with his current deal due to expire in July.
We want to keep him and he wants to stay here. I always miss him when he’s not there. It’s only a matter of a longer-term or a one-year [deal]. We are tending to think to keep Stephen for more than one year.
The 28 year-old, who is expected to be a key part of the Republic of Ireland squad that travels to Ukraine and Poland for the European Championships this summer, has made 65 appearances for Fulham since arriving on a free transfer in July 2009.
