Liam Kelly won't settle for Rangers No2 and Ibrox outfit would have 'real competitor' on their hands

Graham Alexander insists Liam Kelly won’t settle for being a Rangers reserve if he completes a return to Ibrox.

Scotland cap Kelly is hotly tipped to join Gers on a free after leaving Motherwell. That would set him the massive task of challenging last season’s star man Jack Butland for the No.1 role. But his former Fir Park boss Alexander believes that’s just the kind of job to bring out the very best in Kelly.

Alexander said: “There’s no way Kells would go in there accepting that he’s No 2. He won’t just be happy to play second fiddle. That’s not in his nature. If Rangers sign him, they’ll have a real competitor on their hands. That can only be good for the squad and the No.1 there. Every time we asked something different of Kells, he was always up for the challenge. I’m not surprised that big clubs want to sign him. Technically, he’s a superb keeper. He was at Rangers when he was younger and he may feel he has unfinished business there.”

Kelly spent his entire youth career with Rangers and left at 22 to join Livingston after a successful loan with the Lions. Alexander reckons the 28-year-old will return rich in experience and bring vital leadership qualities to Philippe Clement’s camp.

The Bradford boss said: “He’s a brilliant character who drives standards, gives other confidence and is a great supporting team-mate. That’s his character. He works extremely hard at his game. He was a great support at Motherwell, one of our trusted lieutenants.”