Blues signed 22-year-old Spurs defender Stephen Kelly from Spurs in June 2006. The intial fee was £750,000 rising to a possible £1.25million. Dublin-born Kelly joined Spurs as a professional in 2002, before making his breakthrough into the first team at the end of the 2003-04 season. During his time at White Hart Lane, he spent time out on loan at a number of clubs including Watford, QPR and Southend. He was a regular for Spurs during the 2004/05 season, but competition for the right back slot from Canadian international Paul Stalteri last season, saw him make just ten appearances. Following 20 appearances for the Republic of Ireland under 21 side, he earned his first full cap against Chile earlier this year. Kelly's Blues debut came in the opening League fixture of the 2006/07 season against Colchester United. |