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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Sam Frost

Exclusive: Bristol Rovers defender once linked with West Ham and Crystal Palace set for move

Bristol Rovers defender Michael Kelly will join Yeovil Town on loan for the rest of the season, Bristol Live understands.

The left-back has only featured in EFL Trophy games this season and is heading to Huish Park in search of regular playing time.

Rovers' excessive depth at left-back has perhaps left Paul Tisdale light in other areas of the squad. Luke Leahy has cemented his place as the first choice, with Ali Koiki, David Tutonda and Kelly seeing little action of late.

Kelly is out of contract at the Mem at the end of the season, when his four-year association with the Gas could end.

The 23-year-old Scotsman has made 46 appearances for the Gas since joining in 2017 after being released by Leicester City, rising from the development squad to play regularly in the first XI in 2018/19.

At the time, he was attracting interest from Premier League and Championship clubs, including West Ham United, Crystal Palace and Millwall.

Since Leahy's arrival, however, Kelly's playing options have been limited. Ben Garner considered him a left-sided central defender in his back three system and he was understudy to Cian Harries earlier this season.

Once Tisdale arrived, he shifted to a back four but Kelly's playing chances remained limited.

He has made three appearances for Rovers this season, all in the EFL Trophy, and at this point in his career it is essential he finds regular playing time as he heads to Yeovil, 20th in the National League.

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