The last year has been a gruelling one for Liverpool full-back Martin Kelly - but he's determined to try and take positives.

Kelly endured 12 months on the sidelines after suffering an ACL rupture of his right knee against Manchester United in September 2012.

A year and two days later, the full-back returned to action at Old Trafford in Liverpool's 1-0 defeat by the Red Devils last month.

Kelly picked up a minor knock in that game, but he's resumed full fitness now - and the defender is eager to seize the first opportunity he gets to break into the first team.

"I feel good and I'm back to full fitness," he told Liverpoolfc.com. "I came on against Manchester United and took a little knock there.

"That's why I haven't been involved in the last couple of games, but I'm back in training now, so I'm happy.

"The last 12 months has taught me to look after myself. My body needs to be able to cope with the demands of the Premier League and over the past 12 months I've been getting to a condition that will cater for that.

"You've got to have patience in football as well as knowing that when you're given your chance, you've got to take it. Football is that sort of industry and all footballers know that.

"It's taken a long time getting back to full fitness. I feel really strong physically now and I'm just biding my time waiting for my chance. I'll grab it with both hands."

As Kelly neared the end of his recovery process, the Academy graduate was welcomed back to the U21s side for a series of cameo appearances under the stewardship of Alex Inglethorpe.

The Whiston-born defender believes those games at reserve level proved invaluable in helping to rebuild his fitness and match-practice levels.

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"For my development and in terms of confidence, it's been fantastic - just what I needed," said Kelly.

"It's been the bridge before coming back to the first team. It's much more difficult going straight back into the Premier League or the Carling Cup than reserve level.

"I've played a few games and I'm so glad that the reserve team have had me playing there. The manager has been fantastic playing me at centre-half and giving me a chance to play right-back.

"To be able to get those runs up and down [the wing] again has been vital to my rehabilitation."