MARTIN KELLY vowed to come back from injury stronger than ever after penning a new long-term contract with Liverpool.

The 22-year-old defender, who is continuing his rehabilitation after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament against Manchester United back in September, was delighted to reaffirm his commitment to his boyhood club.

“It means everything to me and my family,” he said. “I’ve been at Liverpool since I was seven, so it’s in my heart and I love the club. Being a Liverpool supporter myself, it’s brilliant to put the shirt on and I’m doing what I have loved doing since I was a kid. I’m over the moon.

“Today shows the faith that the club have in me and that the hard work I have put in since I was young has paid off.

“Hopefully I’ll put the injuries behind me. We have excellent medical staff here, who are going to work with me and keep me on top of my injury. I’ll be coming back even stronger.”

The Whiston-born Academy graduate, who made his debut against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League in 2008, has clocked up 54 appearances for the Reds.

The England international’s previous contact was due to expire in the summer of 2014.

Boss Brendan Rodgers said: “Martin has shown a commitment to our vision here going forward. He’s a young player who has really impressed me since I’ve been here. There’s a great manner about him.

“He’s low maintenance – he wants to work and he’s professional. He was exceptionally good in the games he played earlier in the season.

“Kels has a real feel for Liverpool as a club and that’s important for me. There’s no time frame on his return yet but his rehab is coming along well and he’s getting stronger.”