Former Ireland underage international Liam Kelly joins Oxford United on loan from Feyenoord

Former Republic of Ireland underage international Liam Kelly has joined League One Oxford United on loan from Dutch giants Feyenoord.

Kelly moved to Rotterdam during the 2019 summer transfer window, but his stay at De Kuip has flattered to deceive with the departure of Jaap Stam accelerating his exit from the club.

The midfielder previously was with Reading in the Championship, and he has since made his return to England to join Karl Robinson’s Oxford until the end of the season.

“I remember him playing against us at MK Dons when he was really young and just starting out and he was sensational,” Robinson said on the 24-year-old.

“I kept an eye on his development under Jaap Stam and he did really well in a side that reached the play-offs in the Championship that year.

“For someone like Jaap to take him to Feyenoord tells you plenty about him and when the opportunity came about to bring him here, I confess I was shocked.

“The timing works well too. Cameron Brannagan has been out for a couple of games and James Henry is struggling with a thigh problem.

“Ben Woodburn will be back with us playing again in March but right now to have a player like Liam available makes so much sense and I want to thank the Board who made a little headroom to allow me to bring in a player of this quality.”

The Basingstoke born midfielder is eligible to play for Ireland, but he has not received a call-up since he rejected one in March 2018, citing personal issues.