It was decision time for Stephen Kelly in the summer as Birmingham City made their move for him. The young full back had just broken into the Republic of Ireland team, as well as playing over 40 games for Tottenham. Nevertheless, the 22-year-old Dubliner took the plunge into the Championship and is looking forward to the challenge of an immediate return for the St Andrew's side. As Kelly told givemefootball's Ian Clarkson, ahead of a friendly against his former employers, he is already sure he has made the right decision.
Q:WHAT ARE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF BIRMINGHAM?
A:Birmingham is a huge club with a fantastic set up and it is so professional. It is a beautiful ground too. Everyone is working really hard and you can see that everyone is looking forward to the challenge. London is huge but I didn't expect Birmingham to be this big. It is a lovely city and I am just looking forward to getting settled here with my girlfriend.
Q:YOU HAD BEEN AT TOTTENHAM SINCE THE AGE OF 16 SO WAS IT A TOUGH DECISION TO LEAVE?
A:It wasn't really a wrench to leave. I had been there a certain time and had good memories, but it was time for me to move on. The opportunity to sign for Birmingham was one I couldn't turn down, as it is a fantastic club. Hopefully it will give me the chance to play regularly, which is what I wanted.
Q:WHAT ARE YOUR PERSONAL AMBITIONS AT CLUB AND INTERNATIONAL LEVEL?
A:I want to come to Birmingham, establish myself as a regular, get as many games as I can and help push the team for promotion. I made my debut for Ireland in May and to stay on the fringes of things I need to be playing regularly and that's what Birmingham are offering me. If I play most weeks and do well then that is obviously an opportunity for me.
Q:THERE IS A LOT OF EXPECTATION THIS SEASON ISN'T THERE?
A:I don't think all the expectation will make it extra difficult. It is going to be hard as a lot of teams will be coming out and adopting the attitude that beating Birmingham is a big scalp, as they are favourites, which we should be with the squad we have. We are capable of doing it and gritting in the other way when we have to and playing football when we can.
Q:WILL THE CHAMPIONSHIP BE A CULTURE SHOCK FOR YOU AFTER THE PREMIERSHIP?
A:It will be no culture shock at all. I played a lot of my football in the Championship on loan with QPR and Watford and I loved my time there. Playing in the Premiership is a bit of a step up from that but, for me, playing every week in a tough division then you will need to be on top of your game. That is what I intend to do.
Q:WHAT HAS STEVE BRUCE SAID TO YOU?
A:He signed me as a right back and there were talks about the ambition he has for the club and team. He wants me to be positive. I like to get forward and I am looking forward to playing with Jermaine Pennant. Defending is the most important aspect but if you can add the attacking side to it then that is fantastic.
