Kellyman will give Bluebirds more options but BBM calls for patience

Brian Barry-Murphy believes Omari Kellyman can play all across the forward line including striker after joining Cardiff City on loan, but urged patience after the Chelsea player's “complex” recent injury.

- GLEN WILLIAMS

Kellyman, who joined on transfer deadline day on loan from the Premier League giants, was the last of three players who were brought on board by the Bluebirds during the summer window.

He is the only forward player the club signed, but Barry-Murphy believes the player’s versatility could see him be deployed in a number of positions this season.

"I think one of the most important parts of bringing him to the club is that I've seen him play in all five of the front positions," Barry-Murphy said of his most recent signing.

"He can play equally as effectively as a No.10, winger, I've seen him play as a striker at Aston Villa a few times, on the right he is effective.

"I see him being effective in all five of the front positions, really, and that’s why he is so important to our squad.

Kellyman suffered two pretty serious hamstring injuries last season, the most recent of which saw him undergo surgery back in March.

It may well be a case of managing the 19-year-old’s minutes in the weeks and months which follow.

"We just have to be mindful of where he is coming from," the head coach added.

"He has been training with Chelsea, but with a group of players who were identified as going out on loan. So that would have been in smaller groups.