Internet sensation Liam Kelly insists he is keeping his feet on the ground despite earning rave reviews for scoring some spectacular goals.
The Reading youngster is something of a hit on YouTube after scoring a goal from the halfway line on international duty, drawing comparasions with David Beckham's famous strike against Wimbledon in 1996.
Kelly came off the bench to score the winner for the Republic of Ireland Under 19s against Sweden earlier this month with the remarkable effort and it is not the first stunning goal the midfielder has scored as he was already a favourite with some brilliant free-kick goals for Reading's Under 18s.
The 17-year-old admits the halfway line goal against Sweden has been the best moment of his career, but he is not getting carried away by all the attention on him following the strike.
"It is definitely the highlight of my career so far," Kelly told Sky Sports. "I didn't expect to score from the halfway line, but I looked up and saw the chance and it was just something special to see it go in.
"There are a few of my goals on YouTube and it is nice to see that.
"The free-kicks I work on at training, but the goal against Sweden was a one-off and you need a bit of luck for something like to happen and I got that bit of luck I suppose."
"It is definitely the highlight of my career so far. I didn't expect to score from the halfway line, but I looked up and saw the chance and it was just something special to see it go in"
Liam Kelly
Kelly admits he has to thank Republic coach Paul Doolin a lot for giving him the opportunity to play for his country.
"Paul Doolin has been great for me, he really wanted me to play and I am proud to play for the Republic of Ireland," added Kelly.
The skilful midfielder, who has come through the ranks at the Madejski Stadium, admits it is his dream to break into the Reading first-team this season and help them return to the Premier League.
"Reading is a very good club to be at to help me develop my game as they have great team of coaches down here at the Academy," added Kelly.
"Eamonn Dolan has been a massive help to me at the Academy as have all the coaches and I am enjoying my football.
"I plan to keep working hard and hopefully get a chance in the first-team this season if possible.
"I want to get in the first team and to play in the Premier League in the future. Every kid growing up who wants to be a footballer they want to play in the Premier League against the best players and I am no different.
"I know I have a long way to go to do that and I have a great team around me who keep my feet on the ground and help me become a better player."
Have to give the media team credit on this one, Liam Kelly and his goals have been the best advert our academy could hope for and they've taken full advantage!
