Kelly: ‘We want to make our own FA Cup memories’

The 24-year-old began his career at Anfield before making the move to Selhurst Park and was also a boyhood Bolton Wanderers fan – the club which Liverpool beat to set up Saturday’s clash.

And Kelly says he had always had a feeling that the Eagles would be paired up with the winners of that Fourth Round contest.

"Before the draw was made, I just thought that we would end up drawing Liverpool or Bolton," he told TheFA.com in an exclusive interview.

"As soon as we were drawn out first, I knew they would come out next so I wasn’t surprised by it, I was just glad that we got the home tie.

"So I’m really looking forward to it, I had a season ticket at Bolton when I was younger and then I joined Liverpool at ten years old and came through their academy so after that, I always supported them too.

"When they played in the replay, I was happy we would be playing either of them, but we know it’s going to be tough.

"Liverpool’s new system seems to be working and they’re in good form with some top-class players, so it should be a good tie and it’s what The FA Cup is all about."

With former Palace midfielder Alan Pardew back at Selhurst Park as manager, the tie brings back memories for many of the classic FA Cup semi-final of 1990.

Pardew scored the winner in a 4-3 win for the Eagles on that occasion and even though Kelly was born just a few weeks after that game, he’s aware of its significance.

Kelly left Liverpool to join Palace last August

"I was only born in 1990, so it was before my time," he laughed.

"But I’ve seen the goals since the draw was made and it was just a game which epitomises The FA Cup.

"I’m sure it will bring back good memories for the gaffer, but we want to go and make our own Cup memories this season."

Capped once by England in 2012 after also representing the Three Lions in the 2009 U20s World Cup and for the Under-21s, Kelly still looks back on his time at Anfield with fondness.

He learnt his trade with the club and made over 30 senior appearances for the Merseyside giants, but has no regrets about his decision to make the move south.

"Liverpool is a great club, I’m proud to have played for them and it was an honour for me at the time," he revealed.

"I made my debut under Rafa Benitez and then played under some world-class managers like Roy Hodgson, Kenny Dalglish and Brendan Rodgers.

"I had a great time there, but had a bit of bad luck with injuries and as any footballer will tell you, you just want to play games.

"After training and preparing all week, you just want to play games week-in and week-out and be a regular.

"I’m getting that now with Palace and I believe this is a team which is going places under Alan Pardew.

"We’re doing well at the moment and this is the best team we’ve had since I’ve been at the club. The squad is strong and the spirit is really good.

"An FA Cup run would be great for us to help keep that momentum going and I’m sure the fans are looking forward to that too."

Kelly also admits that he is enjoying his time in the capital since he signed a three-year contract with the south London club.

He’s quickly become a regular at Selhurst Park and life has been good off the pitch.

"It was just different to move away from Liverpool at first, so I did have to get used to that after so many years there," he admitted.

"But I’ve settled into the club now and it’s just me and girlfriend living down here, so we’ve been enjoying London and what it has to offer.

"Some of the lads in the dressing room helped with that and I’ve really enjoyed settling in.

"Obviously the last month or so have been great for us and we just want to keep that going in The FA Cup."